Multidimensional exercise control system

ABSTRACT

A multidimensional exercise control system is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a control system of an exercise machine comprises a memory device storing instructions, a user interface for presenting a video game with an avatar, and a processing device operatively coupled to the memory device and the user interface. The processing device is configured to execute the instructions to receive sensor data from a sensor operatively coupled to an exercise machine, wherein the sensor data comprises one or more measurements; responsive to the one or more measurements, cause the avatar to change a position in the video game; compare the one or more measurements to a target threshold; determine whether the one or more measurement exceed the target threshold; and responsive to determining that the one or more measurements exceed the target threshold, cause the user interface to present a modification to the video game.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 63/168,175, filed Mar. 30, 2021 and titled “System and Method for anArtificial Intelligence Engine that Uses Multi-Disciplinary Data Sourceto Determine Comorbidity Information Pertaining to Users and to GenerateExercise Plans for Desired User Goals”. All applications are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to exercise machines. More specifically, thisdisclosure relates to a multidimensional exercise control system forusers of exercise machines.

BACKGROUND

Exercise and rehabilitation devices, such as an cycling machine andbalance equipment, are used to facilitate exercise, strength training,osteogenesis, and/or rehabilitation of a user. A user may perform anexercise (e.g., cycling, balancing, bench press, pull down, arm curl,etc.) using the osteogenic isometric exercise, rehabilitation, and/orstrength training equipment to improve osteogenesis, bone growth, bonedensity, muscular hypertrophy, flexibility, balance, coordination,reduce pain, decrease rehabilitation time, increase strength, or somecombination thereof. The isometric exercise, rehabilitation, and/orstrength training equipment may include moveable portions onto which theuser adds a load or balances. For example, to perform a cyclingexercise, the user may sit in a seat, place each of the user's feet on arespective pedal of an cycling machine, and push on the pedals with theuser's feet while each of the pedals rotate in a circular motion. Toperform a balancing exercise, the user may stand on a balance board andbalance on top of the balance board as it shifts in one or moredirections. The isometric exercise, rehabilitation, and/or strengthtraining equipment may include non-movable portions onto which the useradds load. For example, to perform a leg-press-style exercise, the usermay sit in a seat, place each of the user's feet on a respective footplate, and push on the feet plates with the user's feet while the footplates remain in the same position.

SUMMARY

Representative embodiments set forth herein disclose various techniquesfor a multidimensional exercise control system for users of exercisemachines. As used herein, the terms “exercise machine,” “rehabilitationdevice,” “cycling machine” “balance board,” and “isometric exercise andrehabilitation assembly” may be used interchangeably. The terms“exercise machine,” “rehabilitation device,” “cycling machine” “balanceboard,” and “isometric exercise and rehabilitation assembly” may alsorefer to an osteogenic, strength training, isometric exercise, and/orrehabilitation assembly.

In one embodiment, a control system of an exercise machine is disclosed.The control system comprising a memory device storing instructions, auser interface for presenting a video game with an avatar, and aprocessing device operatively coupled to the memory device and the userinterface. The processing device is configured to execute theinstructions to receive sensor data from a sensor operatively coupled tothe exercise machine, wherein the sensor data comprises one or moremeasurements; responsive to the one or more measurements, cause theavatar to change a position in the video game; compare the one or moremeasurements to a target threshold; determine whether the one or moremeasurement exceed the target threshold; and responsive to determiningthat the one or more measurements exceed the target threshold, cause theuser interface to present a modification to the video game.

In one embodiment, a method for a control system of an exercise machineis disclosed. The method comprises receiving sensor data from a sensoroperatively coupled to the exercise machine, wherein the sensor datacomprises one or more measurements; responsive to the one or moremeasurements, causing an avatar to change a position in a video game;comparing the one or more measurements to a target threshold;determining whether the one or more measurement exceed the targetthreshold; and responsive to determining that the one or moremeasurements exceed the target threshold, causing a user interface topresent a modification to the video game.

In one embodiment, a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable mediumis disclosed. The computer-readable medium stores instructions that,when executed, cause a processing device to receive sensor data from asensor operatively coupled to an exercise machine, wherein the sensordata comprises one or more measurements; responsive to the one or moremeasurements, cause an avatar to change a position in a video game;compare the one or more measurements to a target threshold; determinewhether the one or more measurement exceed the target threshold; andresponsive to determining that the one or more measurements exceed thetarget threshold, cause the user interface to present a modification tothe video game.

Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in theart from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a detailed description of example embodiments, reference will now bemade to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a high-level component diagram of an illustrativesystem architecture according to certain embodiments of this disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates an elevated perspective view of one embodiment of anisometric exercise and rehabilitation assembly;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the isometric exercise andrehabilitation assembly;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the isometric exercise andrehabilitation assembly;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the isometric exercise andrehabilitation assembly with a user performing a leg-press-styleexercise;

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the isometric exercise andrehabilitation assembly with a user performing a chest-press-styleexercise;

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the isometric exercise andrehabilitation assembly with a user performing a core-pull-styleexercise;

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the isometric exercise andrehabilitation assembly with a user performing a suitcase-lift-styleexercise;

FIG. 9 illustrates four examples of load cells that can be used in theisometric exercise assembly;

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of a second embodiment of the isometricexercise and rehabilitation assembly with the user performing achest-press-style exercise and a user interface presenting informationto the user;

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of the second embodiment of theisometric exercise and rehabilitation assembly with a user performing asuitcase-lift-style exercise and a user interface presenting informationto the user;

FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of the second embodiment of theisometric exercise and rehabilitation assembly with a user performing anarm-curl-style exercise and a user interface presenting information tothe user;

FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of the second embodiment of theisometric exercise and rehabilitation assembly with a user performing aleg-press-style exercise and a user interface presenting information tothe user;

FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of a third embodiment of the isometricexercise and rehabilitation assembly with the user performing achest-press-style exercise and a user interface presenting informationto the user;

FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of the third embodiment of the isometricexercise and rehabilitation assembly with the user performing apull-down-style exercise and a user interface presenting information tothe user;

FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of the third embodiment of the isometricexercise and rehabilitation assembly with a user performing anarm-curl-style exercise and a user interface presenting information tothe user;

FIG. 17 illustrates a side view of the third embodiment of the isometricexercise and rehabilitation assembly with a user performing aleg-press-style exercise and a user interface presenting information tothe user;

FIG. 18 illustrates a side view of the third embodiment of the isometricexercise and rehabilitation assembly with a user performing asuitcase-lift-style exercise and a user interface presenting informationto the user;

FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of an exercise machine;

FIGS. 20A-B illustrate side views of the exercise machine;

FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view of another exercise machine;

FIG. 22 illustrates an example user interface presenting a video game;

FIG. 23 illustrates an example user interface presenting requesting userinput for a pain level;

FIG. 24 illustrates example operations of a method for presenting avideo game to improve compliance with an exercise plan;

FIG. 25 illustrates an example user interface presenting an indicationthat an exercise is complete and congratulates the user; and

FIG. 26 illustrates an example computer system.

NOTATION AND NOMENCLATURE

Various terms are used to refer to particular system components.Different entities may refer to a component by different names — thisdocument does not intend to distinguish between components that differin name but not function. In the following discussion and in the claims,the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-endedfashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but notlimited to . . . .” Also, the term “couple” or “couples” is intended tomean either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, if a first devicecouples to a second device, that connection may be through a directconnection or through an indirect connection via other devices andconnections.

Various terms are used to refer to particular system components.Different entities may refer to a component by different names—thisdocument does not intend to distinguish between components that differin name but not function. In the following discussion and in the claims,the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-endedfashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but notlimited to . . . .” Also, the term “couple” or “couples” is intended tomean either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, if a first devicecouples to a second device, that connection may be through a directconnection or through an indirect connection via other devices andconnections.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexample embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. As usedherein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. The method steps, processes, and operations described hereinare not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance inthe particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specificallyidentified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood thatadditional or alternative steps may be employed.

The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describevarious elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections; however,these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should notbe limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguishone element, component, region, layer or section from another region,layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numericalterms, when used herein, do not imply a sequence or order unless clearlyindicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region,layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element,component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachingsof the example embodiments. The phrase “at least one of,” when used witha list of items, means that different combinations of one or more of thelisted items may be used, and only one item in the list may be needed.For example, “at least one of: A, B, and C” includes any of thefollowing combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A and Band C. In another example, the phrase “one or more” when used with alist of items means there may be one item or any suitable number ofitems exceeding one.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,”“lower,” “above,” “upper,” “top,” “bottom,” and the like, may be usedherein. These spatially relative terms can be used for ease ofdescription to describe one element's or feature's relationship toanother element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Thespatially relative terms may also be intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use, or operation, in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in thefigures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elementsor features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both anorientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented(rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relativedescriptions used herein interpreted accordingly.

Moreover, various functions described below can be implemented orsupported by one or more computer programs, each of which is formed fromcomputer readable program code and embodied in a computer readablemedium. The terms “application” and “program” refer to one or morecomputer programs, software components, sets of instructions,procedures, functions, objects, classes, instances, related data, or aportion thereof adapted for implementation in a suitable computerreadable program code. The phrase “computer readable program code”includes any type of computer code, including source code, object code,and executable code. The phrase “computer readable medium” includes anytype of medium capable of being accessed by a computer, such as readonly memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive, acompact disc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD), solid state drives(SSDs), flash memory, or any other type of memory. A “non-transitory”computer readable medium excludes wired, wireless, optical, or othercommunication links that transport transitory electrical or othersignals. A non-transitory computer readable medium includes media wheredata can be permanently stored and media where data can be stored andlater overwritten, such as a rewritable optical disc or an erasablememory device.

The term “bone geometry” may refer to bone diameter, bone density, boneshape, bone cross-section, bone length, bone weight, or any suitablebone dimension(s) and/or measurement(s).

The term “empirical data” may refer to data obtained and/or derivedbased on observation, experience, measurement, and/or research.

The term “strain,” when used in context with a bone of a user, may referto an amount, proportion, or degree of deformation of the bone material.

The terms “exercise machine” and “isometric exercise and rehabilitationassembly” may be used interchangeably herein.

Definitions for other certain words and phrases are provided throughoutthis patent document. Those of ordinary skill in the art shouldunderstand that in many if not most instances, such definitions apply toprior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As typically healthy people grow from infants to children to adults,they experience bone growth. Such, growth, however, typically stops atapproximately age 30. After that point, without interventions asdescribed herein, bone loss (called osteoporosis), can start to occur.This does not mean that the body stops creating new bone. Rather, itmeans that the rate at which it creates new bone tends to slow, whilethe rate at which bone loss occurs tends to increase.

In addition, as people age and/or become less active than they oncewere, they may experience muscle loss. For example, muscles that are notused often may reduce in muscle mass. As a result, the muscles becomeweaker. In some instances, people may be affected by a disease, such asmuscular dystrophy, that causes the muscles to become progressivelyweaker and to have reduced muscle mass. To increase the muscle massand/or reduce the rate of muscle loss, people may exercise a muscle tocause muscular hypertrophy, thereby strengthening the muscle as themuscle grows. Muscular hypertrophy may refer to an increase in a size ofskeletal muscle through a growth in size of its component cells. Thereare two factors that contribute to muscular hypertrophy, (i)sarcoplasmic hypertrophy (increase in muscle glycogen storage), and (ii)myofibrillar hypertrophy (increase in myofibril size). The growth in thecells may be caused by an adaptive response that serves to increase anability to generate force or resist fatigue.

The rate at which such bone or muscle loss occurs generally acceleratesas people age. A net growth in bone can ultimately become a net loss inbone, longitudinally across time. By the time, in general, women areover 50 and men are over 70, net bone loss can reach a point wherebrittleness of the bones is so great that the risk of life-alteringfractures can occur. Examples of such fractures include fractures of thehip and femur. Of course, fractures can also occur due to participationin athletics or due to accidents. In such cases, it is just as relevantto have a need for bone growth which heals or speeds the healing of thefracture.

To understand why such fractures occur, it is useful to recognize thatbone is itself porous, with a somewhat-honeycomb like structure. Thisstructure may be dense and therefore stronger or it may be variegated,spread out and/or sparse, such latter structure being incapable ofcontinuously or continually supporting the weight (load) stressesexperienced in everyday living. When such loads exceed the supportcapability of the structure at a stressor point or points, a fractureoccurs. This is true whether the individual had a fragile bone structureor a strong one: it is a matter of physics, of the literal “breakingpoint.”

It is therefore preferable to have a means of mitigating or amelioratingbone loss and of healing fractures. Further, it is preferable toencourage new bone growth, thus increasing the density of the structuredescribed hereinabove. The increased bone density may increase theload-bearing capacities of the bone, thus making first or subsequentfractures less likely to occur. Reduced fractures may improve a qualityof life of the individual. The process of bone growth itself is referredto as osteogenesis, literally the creation of bone.

It is also preferable to have a means for mitigating or amelioratingmuscle mass loss and weakening of the muscles. Further, it is preferableto encourage muscle growth by increasing the muscle mass throughexercise. The increased muscle mass may enable a person to exert moreforce with the muscle and/or to resist fatigue in the muscle for alonger period of time.

In order to create new bone, at least three factors are necessary.First, the individual must have a sufficient intake of calcium, butsecond, in order to absorb that calcium, the individual must have asufficient intake and absorption of Vitamin D, a matter problematic forthose who have cystic fibrosis, who have undergone gastric bypasssurgery or have other absorption disorders or conditions which limitabsorption. Separately, supplemental estrogen for women and supplementaltestosterone for men can further ameliorate bone loss. On the otherhand, abuse of alcohol and smoking can harm one's bone structure.Medical conditions such as, without limitation, rheumatoid arthritis,renal disease, overactive parathyroid glands, diabetes or organtransplants can also exacerbate osteoporosis. Ethical pharmaceuticalssuch as, without limitation, hormone blockers, seizure medications andglucocorticoids are also capable of inducing such exacerbations. Buteven in the absence of medical conditions as described hereinabove,Vitamin D and calcium taken together do not create osteogenesis to adesirable degree or ameliorate bone loss to a desirable degree.

To achieve osteogenesis, therefore, one must add in the third factor:exercise. Specifically, one must subject one's bones to a force at leastequal to certain multiple of body weight, such multiples varyingdepending on the individual and the specific bone in question. As usedherein, “MOB” means Multiples of Body Weight. It has been determinedthrough research that subjecting a given bone to a certain threshold MOB(this may also be known as a “weight-bearing exercise”), even for anextremely short period of time, one simply sufficient to exceed thethreshold MOB, encourages and fosters osteogenesis in that bone.

Further, a person can achieve muscular hypertrophy by exercising themuscles for which increased muscle mass is desired. Strength trainingand/or resistance exercise may cause muscle tissue to increase. Forexample, pushing against or pulling on a stationary object with acertain amount of force may trigger the cells in the associated muscleto change and cause the muscle mass to increase.

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a control system for anexercise machine, not only capable of enabling an individual, preferablyan older, less mobile individual or preferably an individual recoveringfrom a fracture, to engage easily in osteogenic exercises and/or musclestrengthening exercises, but capable of using predetermined thresholdsor dynamically calculating them, such that the person using the machinecan be immediately informed through real-time visual and/or othersensorial feedback, that the osteogenic threshold has been exceeded,thus triggering osteogenesis for the subject bone (or bones), and/orthat the muscular strength threshold has been exceeded, therebytriggering muscular hypertrophy for the subject muscle (or muscles). Thecontrol system may be used to improve compliance with an exercise planincluding one or more exercises.

The control system may receive one or more load measurements associatedwith forces exerted by both the left and right sides on left and rightportions (e.g., handles, foot plate or platform) of the exercise machineto enhance osteogenesis, bone growth, bone density improvement, and/ormuscle mass. The one or more load measurements may be a left loadmeasurement of a load added to a left load cell on a left portion of theexercise machine and a right load measurement of a load added to a rightload cell on a right portion of the exercise machine. A user interfacemay be provided by the control system that presents visualrepresentations of the separately measured left load and right loadwhere the respective left load and right load are added to therespective left load cell and right load cell at the subject portions ofthe exercise machine.

In some embodiments, initially, the control system may receive loadmeasurements via a data channel associated with each exercise of themachine. For example, there may be a data channel for a leg-press-styleexercise, a pull-down-style exercise, a suitcase-lift-style exercise, anarm-curl-style exercise, and so forth. Each data channel may include oneor more load cells (e.g., a left load cell and a right load cell) thatmeasure added load or applied force and transmit the load measurement tothe control system via its respective data channel. The control systemmay receive the load measurements from each of the data channels at afirst rate (e.g., 1 Hertz). If the control system detects a load from adata channel (e.g., hands resting on the handles including therespective load cells, or feet resting on the feet plate including therespective load cells), the control system may set that data channel asactive and start reading load measurements from that data channel at asecond rate (e.g., 10 Hertz) that is higher than the first rate.Further, the control system may set the other exercises associated withthe other data channels as inactive and stop reading load measurementsfrom the other data channels until the active exercise is complete. Theactive exercise may be complete when the one or more load measurementsreceived via the data channel exceed one or more target thresholds. Insome embodiments, the control system may determine an average loadmeasurement by accumulating raw load measurements over a certain periodof time (e.g., 5 seconds) and averaging the raw load measurements tosmooth the data (e.g., eliminates jumps or spikes in data) in an averageload measurement.

The control system may compare the one or more load measurements (e.g.,raw load measurements, or averaged load measurements) to one or moretarget thresholds. In some embodiments, a single load measurement may becompared to a single specific target threshold (e.g., a one-to-onerelationship). In some embodiments, a single load measurement may becompared to more than one specific target threshold (e.g., a one-to-manyrelationship). In some embodiments, more than one load measurement maybe compared to a single specific target threshold (e.g., a many-to-onerelationship). In some embodiments, more than one load measurement maybe compared to more than one specific target threshold (e.g., amany-to-many relationship).

The target thresholds may be an osteogenesis target threshold, amuscular strength target threshold, and/or a rehabilitation threshold.The osteogenesis target threshold may be determined based on a diseaseprotocol pertaining to the user, an age of the user, a gender of theuser, a sex of the user, a height of the user, a weight of the user, abone density of the user, etc. A disease protocol may refer to anyillness, disease, fracture, or ailment experienced by the user and anytreatment instructions provided by a caretaker for recovery and/orhealing. The disease protocol may also include a condition of healthwhere the goal is avoid a problem. The muscular strength targetthreshold may be determined based on a historical performance of theuser using the exercise machine (e.g., amount of pounds lifted for aparticular exercise, amount of force applied associated with each bodypart, etc.) and/or other exercise machines, a fitness level (e.g., howactive the user is) of the user, a diet of the user, a protocol fordetermining a muscular strength target, etc. The rehabilitation targetthreshold may be determined based on historical performance of the userusing the exercise machine (e.g., amount of force applied associatedwith each body part, speed of cycling, level of stability, etc.) and/orother exercise machines, a fitness level (e.g., how active the user is,the flexibility of the user,) of the user, a diet of the user, anexercise plan for determining a rehabilitation target, the condition ofthe user (e.g., type of surgery the user underwent, the type of injurythe user sustained), physical characteristics of the user (e.g., an ageof the user, a gender of the user, a sex of the user, a height of theuser, a weight of the user, a bone density of the user), condition ofthe user's body part(s) (e.g., the pain level of a user), an exertionlevel of a user (e.g., how easy/hard the exercise session is for theuser), any other suitable characteristic, or combination thereof.

The control system may determine whether the one or more loadmeasurements exceed the one or more target thresholds. Responsive todetermining that the one or more load measurements exceed the one ormore target thresholds, the control system may cause a user interface topresent an indication that the one or more target thresholds have beenexceeded and an exercise is complete. Additionally, when the one or moretarget thresholds are exceeded, the control system may cause the userinterface to present an indication that instructs the user to applyadditional force (less than a safety limit) to attempt to set a personalmaximum record of weight lifted, pressed, pulled, or otherwise exertforce thereupon for that exercise.

Further, the user interface may present an indication when a loadmeasurement is approaching a target threshold for the user. In anotherexample, when the load measurement exceeds the target threshold, theuser interface may present an indication that the target threshold hasbeen exceeded, that the exercise is complete, and if there are anyremaining incomplete exercises in the exercise plan, that there isanother exercise to be completed by the user. If there are no remainingexercises in the exercise plan to complete, then the user interface maypresent an indication that all exercises in the exercise plan arecomplete and the user can rest. In addition, when the exercise plan iscomplete, the control system may generate a performance report thatpresents various information (e.g., charts and graphs of the right andleft load measurements received during each of the exercises, left andright maximum loads for the user received during each of the exercises,historical right and left load measurements received in the past,comparison of the current right and left load measurements with thehistorical right and left load measurement, an amount of pounds liftedor pressed that is determined based on the load measurements for each ofthe exercises, percent gained in load measurements over time, etc.).

Further, the one or more load measurements may each be compared to asafety limit. For example, a left load measurement and a right loadmeasurement may each be compared to the safety limit for the user. Thesafety limit may be determined for the user based on the user's diseaseprotocol. There may be different safety limits for different portions ofthe user's body on the left and the right side, one extremity versusanother extremity, a top portion of the user's body and a body portionof the user's body, etc., and for different exercises. For example, ifsomeone underwent left knee surgery, the safety limit for a user for aleft load measurement for a leg-press-style exercise may be differentfrom the safety limit for a right load measurement for that exercise anduser. If the safety limit is exceeded, an indication may be presented onthe user interface to instruct to reduce the amount of force the user isapplying and/or to instruct the user to stop applying force because thesafety limit is exceeded.

For those with any or all of the osteoporosis-exacerbating medicalconditions described herein, such a control system and exercise machinecan slow the rate of net bone loss by enabling osteogenesis to occurwithout exertions which would not be possible for someone whose healthis fragile, not robust. Another benefit of the present disclosure,therefore, is its ability to speed the healing of fractures inathletically robust individuals. Further, another benefit is theincrease in muscle mass by using the exercise machine to triggermuscular hypertrophy. The control system may provide an automatedinterface that improves compliance with an exercise plan by using areal-time feedback loop to measure loads added during each of theexercises, compare the load measurements to target thresholds and/orsafety limits that are uniquely determined for the user using theexercise machine, and provide various indications based on thecomparison. For example, the indications pertain to when the user shouldadd more load, when the target thresholds are exceeded, when the safetylimit is exceeded, when the exercise is complete, when the user shouldbegin another exercise, and so forth.

Bone Exercises and Their Benefits

The following exercises achieve bone strengthening results by exposingrelevant parts of a user to isometric forces which are selectedmultiples of body weight (MOB) of the user, a threshold level abovewhich bone mineral density increases. A MOB may be any fraction orrational number excluding zero. The specific MOB-multiple thresholdnecessary to effect such increases will naturally vary from individualto individual and may be more or less for any given individual.“Bone-strengthening,” as used herein, specifically includes, withoutlimitation, a process of osteogenesis, whether due to the creation ofnew bone as a result of an increase in the bone mineral density; orproximately to the introduction or causation of microfractures in theunderlying bone. The exercises referred to are as follows.

Leg Press

A leg-press-style exercise to improve isometric muscular strength in thefollowing key muscle groups: gluteals, hamstrings, quadriceps, spinalextensors and grip muscles as well as to increase resistance to skeletalfractures in leg bones such as the femur. In one example, theleg-press-style exercise can be performed approximately 4.2 MOB or moreof the user.

Chest Press

A chest-press-style exercise to improve isometric muscular strength inthe following key muscle groups: pectorals, deltoids, and tricep andgrip muscles as well as in increasing resistance to skeletal fracturesin the humerus, clavicle, radial, ulnar and rib pectoral regions. In oneexample, the chest-press-style exercise can be performed atapproximately 2.5 MOB or more of the user.

Suitcase Lift

A suitcase-lift-style exercise to improve isometric muscular strength inthe following key muscle groups: gluteals, hamstrings, quadriceps,spinal extensors, abdominals, and upper back and grip muscles as well asto increase resistance to skeletal fractures in the femur and spine. Inone example, the suitcase-lift-style exercise can be performed atapproximately 2.5 MOB or more of the user.

Arm Curl

An arm-curl-style exercise to improve isometric muscular strength in thefollowing key muscle groups: biceps, brachialis, brachioradialis, gripmuscles and trunk as well as in increasing resistance to skeletalfractures in the humerus, ribs and spine. In one example, thearm-curl-style exercise can be performed at approximately 1.5 MOB ormore of the user.

Core Pull

A core-pull-style exercise to improve isometric muscular strength in thefollowing key muscle groups: elbow flexors, grip muscles, latissimusdorsi, hip flexors and trunk as well as in increasing resistance toskeletal fractures in the ribs and spine. In one example, thecore-pull-style exercise can be performed at approximately 1.5 MOB ormore of the user.

Grip Strength

A grip-strengthening-style exercise which may preferably be situatedaround a station in an exercise machine, in order to improve strength inthe muscles of the hand and forearm. Grip strength is medically salientbecause it has been positively correlated with better states of health.

The following discussion is directed to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure. Although these embodiments are given as examples,the embodiments disclosed should not be interpreted, or otherwise used,as limiting the scope of the disclosure, including the claims. Inaddition, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that thefollowing description has broad application, and the discussion of anyembodiment is meant only to be exemplary of that embodiment, and notintended to intimate that the scope of the disclosure, including theclaims, is limited to that embodiment.

FIG. 1 illustrates a high-level component diagram of an illustrativesystem architecture 10 according to certain embodiments of thisdisclosure. In some embodiments, the system architecture 10 may includea computing device 12 communicatively coupled to an exercise machine100. The computing device 12 may also be communicatively coupled with acomputing device 15 and a cloud-based computing system 16. As usedherein, a cloud-based computing system refers, without limitation, toany remote or distal computing system accessed over a network link. Eachof the computing device 12, computing device 15, and/or the exercisemachine 100 may include one or more processing devices, memory devices,and network interface devices. In some embodiments, the computing device12 may be included as part of the structure of the exercise machine 100.In some embodiments, the computing device 12 may be separate from theexercise machine 100. For example, the computing device 12 may be asmartphone, tablet, laptop, or the like.

The network interface devices may enable communication via a wirelessprotocol for transmitting data over short distances, such as Bluetooth,ZigBee, near field communication (NFC), etc. In some embodiments, thecomputing device 12 is communicatively coupled to the exercise machine100 via Bluetooth. Additionally, the network interface devices mayenable communicating data over long distances, and in one example, thecomputing device 12 may communicate with a network 20. Network 20 may bea public network (e.g., connected to the Internet via wired (Ethernet)or wireless (WiFi)), a private network (e.g., a local area network(LAN), wide area network (WAN), virtual private network (VPN)), or acombination thereof.

The computing device 12 may be any suitable computing device, such as alaptop, tablet, smartphone, or computer. The computing device 12 mayinclude a display that is capable of presenting a user interface 18 ofan application 17. The application 17 may be implemented in computerinstructions stored on the one or more memory devices of the computingdevice 12 and executable by the one or more processing devices of thecomputing device 12. The application 17 may be a stand-alone applicationthat is installed on the computing device 12 or may be an application(e.g., website) that executes via a web browser. The user interface 18may present various screens to a user that enable the user to login,enter personal information (e.g., health information; a disease protocolprescribed by a physician, trainer, or caretaker; age; gender; activitylevel; bone density; weight; height; patient measurements; etc.), viewan exercise plan, initiate an exercise in the exercise plan, view visualrepresentations of left load measurements and right load measurementsthat are received from left load cells and right load cells during theexercise, view a weight in pounds that are pushed, lifted, or pulledduring the exercise, view an indication when the user has almost reacheda target threshold, view an indication when the user has exceeded thetarget thresholds, view an indication when the user has set a newpersonal maximum for a load measurement and/or pounds pushed, lifted, orpulled, view an indication when a load measurement exceeds a safetylimit, view an indication to instruct the user to begin anotherexercise, view an indication that congratulates the user for completingall exercises in the exercise plan, and so forth, as described in moredetail below. The computing device 12 may also include instructionsstored on the one or more memory devices that, when executed by the oneor more processing devices of the computing device 12, performoperations to control the exercise machine 100.

The computing device 15 may execute an application 21. The application21 may be implemented in computer instructions stored on the one or morememory devices of the computing device 15 and executable by the one ormore processing devices of the computing device 15. The application 21may present a user interface 22 including various screens to aphysician, trainer, or caregiver that enable the person to create anexercise plan for a user based on a treatment (e.g., surgery, medicalprocedure, etc.) the user underwent and/or injury (e.g., sprain, tear,fracture, etc.) the user suffered, view progress of the user throughoutthe exercise plan, and/or view measured properties (e.g., force exertedon portions of the exercise machine 100) of the user during exercises ofthe exercise plan. The exercise plan specific to a patient may betransmitted via the network 20 to the cloud-based computing system 16for storage and/or to the computing device 12 so the patient may beginthe exercise plan. The exercise plan may specifying one or moreexercises that are available at the exercise machine 100.

The exercise machine 100 may be an osteogenic, muscular strengthening,isometric exercise and/or rehabilitation assembly. Solid state, static,or isometric exercise and rehabilitation equipment (e.g., exercisemachine 100) can be used to facilitate osteogenic exercises that areisometric in nature and/or to facilitate muscular strengtheningexercises. Such exercise and rehabilitation equipment can includeequipment in which there are no moving parts while the user isexercising. While there may be some flexing under load, incidentalmovement resulting from the tolerances of interlocking parts, and partsthat can move while performing adjustments on the exercise andrehabilitation equipment, these flexions and movements can comprise,without limitation, exercise and rehabilitation equipment from the fieldof isometric exercise and rehabilitation equipment.

The exercise machine 100 may include various load cells 110 disposed atvarious portions of the exercise machine 100. For example, one or moreleft load cells 110 may be located at one or more left feet plates orplatforms, and one or more right load cells may be located at one ormore right feet plates or platforms. Also, one or more left load cellsmay be located at one or more left handles, and one or more right loadcells may be located at one or more right handles. Each exercise in theexercise system may be associated with both a left and a right portion(e.g., handle or foot plate) of the exercise machine 100. For example, aleg-press-style exercise is associated with a left foot plate and aright foot plate. The left load cell at the left foot plate and theright load cell at the right foot plate may independently measure a loadadded onto the left foot plate and the right foot plate, respectively,and transmit the left load measurement and the right load measurement tothe computing device 12. The load added onto the load cells 110 mayrepresent an amount of weight added onto the load cells. In someembodiments, the load added onto the load cells 110 may represent anamount of force exerted by the user on the load cells. Accordingly, theleft load measurement and the right load measurement may be used topresent a left force (e.g., in Newtons) and a right force (e.g., inNewtons). The left force and right force may be totaled and convertedinto a total weight in pounds for the exercise. Each of the left force,the right force, and/or the total weight in pounds may be presented onthe user interface 18.

In some embodiments, the cloud-based computing system 16 may include oneor more servers 28 that form a distributed, grid, and/or peer-to-peer(P2P) computing architecture. Each of the servers 28 may include one ormore processing devices, memory devices, data storage, and/or networkinterface devices. The servers 28 may be in communication with oneanother via any suitable communication protocol. The servers 28 maystore profiles for each of the users that use the exercise machine 100.The profiles may include information about the users such as one or moredisease protocols, one or more exercise plans, a historical performance(e.g., loads applied to the left load cell and right load cell, totalweight in pounds, etc.) for each type of exercise that can be performedusing the exercise machine 100, health, age, race, credentials forlogging into the application 17, and so forth.

FIGS. 2-8 illustrates one or more embodiments of an osteogenic,isometric exercise and rehabilitation assembly. An aspect of thedisclosure includes an isometric exercise and rehabilitation assembly100. The assembly 100 can include a frame 102. The assembly can furtherinclude one or more pairs of load handles 104, 106, 108 (e.g., threeshown) supported by the frame 102. Each load handle in one of the pairsof load handles 104, 106, 108 can be symmetrically spaced from eachother relative to a vertical plane of the assembly 100. For example, thevertical plane can bisect the assembly 100 in a longitudinal direction.

During exercise, a user can grip and apply force to one of the pairs ofload handles 104, 106, 108. The term “apply force” can include a singleforce, more than one force, a range of forces, etc. and may be usedinterchangeably with “addition of load”. Each load handle in the pairsof load handles 104, 106, 108 can include at least one load cell 110 forseparately and independently measuring a force applied to, or a loadadded onto, respective load handles. Further, each foot plate 118 (e.g.,a left foot plate and a right foot plate) can include at least one loadcell 110 for separately and independently measuring a force applied to,or a load added onto, respective foot plates.

The placement of a load cell 110 in each pair of load handles 104, 106,108 and/or feet plates 118 can provide the ability to read variations inforce applied between the left and right sides of the user. This allowsa user or trainer to understand relative strength. This is also usefulin understanding strength when recovering from an injury.

In some embodiments, the assembly further can include the computingdevice 12. One or more of the load cells 110 can be individually inelectrical communication with the computing device 12 either via a wiredor wireless connection. In some embodiments, the user interface 18presented via a display of the computing device 12 may indicate how toperform an exercise, how much force is being applied, a target force tobe applied, historical information for the user about how much forcethey applied at prior sessions, comparisons to averages, etc., as wellas additional information, recommendations, notifications, and/orindications described herein.

In some embodiments, the assembly further includes a seat 112 supportedby the frame 102 in which a user sits while applying force to the loadhandles and/or feet plates. In some embodiments, the seat 112 caninclude a support such as a backboard 114. In some embodiments, theposition of the seat 112 is adjustable in a horizontal and/or verticaldimension. In some embodiments, the angle of the seat 112 is adjustable.In some embodiments, the angle of the backboard 114 is adjustable.Examples of how adjustments to the seat 112 and backboard 112 can beimplemented include, but are not limited to, using telescoping tubes andpins, hydraulic pistons, electric motors, etc. In some embodiments, theseat 112 can further include a fastening system 116 (FIG. 7), such as aseat belt, for securing the user to the seat 112.

In one example, the seat 112 can include a base 113 that is slidablymounted to a horizontal rail 111 of the frame 102. The seat 112 can beselectively repositionable and secured as indicated by the double-headedarrow. In another example, the seat 112 can include one or more supports117 (e.g., two shown) that are slidably mounted to a substantiallyvertical rail 115 of the frame 102. The seat 112 can be selectivelyrepositionable and secured as indicated by the double-headed arrow.

In some embodiments, a pair of feet plate 118 can be located angledtoward and in front of the seat 112. The user can apply force to thefeet plate 118 (FIG. 5) while sitting in the seat 112 during aleg-press-style exercise. The leg-press-style exercise can provide orenable osteogenesis, bone growth or bone density improvement for aportion of the skeletal system of the user. Further, the leg-press-styleexercise can provide or enable muscular hypertrophy for one or moremuscles of the user. In a leg-press-style exercise, the user can sit inthe seat 112, place their feet on respective feet plates 118, and pushon the pair of feet plate 118 using their legs.

In some embodiments, adjustments can be made to the position of the pairof feet plate 118. For example, these adjustments can include the heightof the pair of feet plate 118, the distance between the pair of feetplate 118 and the seat 112, the distance between each handle of the pairof feet plate 118, the angle of the pair of feet plate 118 relative tothe user, etc. In some embodiments, to account for natural differencesin limb length or injuries, each foot plate of the pair of feet plate118 can be adjusted separately.

In some embodiments, a first pair of load handles 104 can be locatedabove and in front of the seat 112. The user can apply force to the loadhandles 104 (FIG. 7) while being constrained in the seat 112 by thefastening system 116 in a core-pull-style exercise. The core-pull-styleexercise can provide or enable osteogenesis, bone growth or bone densityimprovement for a portion of the skeletal system of the user. Further,the core-pull-style exercise can provide or enable muscular hypertrophyfor one or more muscles of the user. In a core-pull-style exercise,while the lower body of the user is restrained from upward movement bythe fastening system 116, the user can sit in the seat 112, apply thefastening system 116, hold the first pair of load handles 104, and pullon the first pair of load handles 104 using their arms.

In some embodiments, adjustments can be made to the position of thefirst pair of load handles 104. For example, these adjustments caninclude the height of the first pair of load handles 104, the distancebetween the first pair of load handles 104 and the seat 112, thedistance between each handle of the first pair of load handles 104, theangle of the first load handles 104 relative to the user, etc. In someembodiments, to account for natural differences in limb length orinjuries, each handle of the first pair of load handles 104 can beadjusted separately.

In one example, the first pair of load handles 104 can include asub-frame 103 that is slidably mounted to a vertical rail 105 of theframe 102. The first pair of load handles 104 can be selectivelyrepositionable and secured as indicated by the double-headed arrow.

In some embodiments, a second pair of load handles 106 can be spacedapart from and in the front of the seat 112. While seated (FIG. 6), theuser can apply force to the second pair of load handles 106 in achest-press-style exercise. The chest-press-style exercise can provideor enable osteogenesis, bone growth or bone density improvement foranother portion of the skeletal system of the user. Further, thechest-press-style exercise can provide or enable muscular hypertrophyfor one or more muscles of the user. In a chest-press-style exercise,the user can sit in the seat 112, hold the second pair of load handles106, and push against the second pair of load handles 106 with theirarms.

In some embodiments, adjustments can be made to the position of thesecond pair of load handles 106. These adjustments can include theheight of the second pair of load handles 106, the distance between thesecond pair of load handles 106 and the seat 112, the distance betweeneach handle of the second pair of load handles 106, the angle of thesecond load handles 106 relative to the user, etc. In some embodiments,to account for natural differences in limb length or injuries, eachhandle of the second pair of load handles 106 can be adjustedseparately.

In one example, the second pair of load handles 106 can include thesub-frame 103 that is slidably mounted to the vertical rail 105 of theframe 102. The sub-frame 103 can be the same sub-frame 103 provided forthe first pair of load handles 104, or a different, independentsub-frame. The second pair of load handles 106 can be selectivelyrepositionable and secured as indicated by the double-headed arrow.

In some embodiments (FIG. 8), a third pair of load handles 108 can belocated immediately adjacent the seat 112, such that the user can standand apply force in a suitcase-lift-style exercise. Thesuitcase-lift-style exercise can provide or enable osteogenesis, bonegrowth or bone density improvement for still another portion of theskeletal system of the user. Further, the suitcase-lift-style exercisecan provide or enable muscular hypertrophy for one or more muscles ofthe user. Examples of the third pair of load handles 108 can extendhorizontally along a pair of respective axes that are parallel to thevertical plane. The third pair of load handles 108 can be horizontallyco-planar, such that a user can apply force to them in asuitcase-lift-style exercise. In the suitcase-lift-style exercise, theuser can stand on the floor or a horizontal portion of the frame 102,bend their knees, grip the third pair of load handles 108, and extendtheir legs to apply an upward force to the third pair of load handles108.

In some embodiments, adjustments can be made to the position of thethird pair of load handles 108. These adjustments can include the heightof the third pair of load handles 108, the distance between the thirdpair of load handles 108 and the seat 112, the distance between eachhandle of the third pair of load handles 108, the angle of the thirdload handles 108 relative to the user, etc. In some embodiments, toaccount for natural differences in limb length or injuries, each handleof the third pair of load handles 108 can be adjusted separately.

In one example, each load handle 108 of the third pair of load handles108 can include a sub-frame 109 that is slidably mounted in or to avertical tube 107 of the frame 102. Each load handle 108 of the thirdpair of load handles 108 can be selectively repositionable and securedas indicated by the double-headed arrows.

In other embodiments (not shown), the third pair of load handles 108 canbe reconfigured to be coaxial and located horizontally in front of theuser along an axis that is perpendicular to the vertical plane. The usercan apply force to the third pair of load handles 108 in adeadlift-style exercise. Like the suitcase-lift-style exercise, thedeadlift-style exercise can provide or enable osteogenesis, bone growthor bone density improvement for a portion of the skeletal system of theuser. Further, the deadlift-style exercise can provide or enablemuscular hypertrophy for one or more muscles of the user. In thedeadlift-style exercise, the user can stand on the floor or a horizontalportion of the frame 102, bend their knees, hold the third pair of loadhandles 108 in front of them, and extend their legs to apply an upwardforce to the third pair of load handles 108. In some embodiments, thethird pair of load handles 108 can be adjusted (e.g., rotated) from thedescribed coaxial position used for the deadlift-style exercise, to theparallel position (FIGS. 7, 8) used for the suitcase lift-styleexercise. The third pair of load handles 108, or others, can be used ina grip strengthening-style exercise to improve strength in the musclesof the hand and forearm.

FIG. 9 depicts several options for the load cells 110. In someembodiments, the load cells 110 can be piezoelectric load cells, such asPACEline CLP Piezoelectric Subminiature Load Washers. In otherembodiments, the load cells 110 can be hydraulic load cells, such asNOSHOK hydraulic load cells. In some versions, the load cells 110 caninclude strain gauges. Embodiments of the strain gauges can bebending-type strain gauges, such as Omega SGN-4/20-PN 4 mm grid, 20 ohmnickel foil resistors. Other examples of the strain gauges can bedouble-bending-type strain gauges 1202, such as Rudera Sensor RSL 642strain gauges. Still other embodiments of the strain gauges can behalf-bridge-type strain gauges 1204, such as Onyehn 4pcs 50kg HumanScale Load Cell Resistance Half-bridge/Amplifier Strain Weight Sensorswith 1pcs HX711 AD Weight Modules for Arduino DIY Electronic Scalestrain gauges. In some embodiments, the strain gauges can be S-typestrain gauges 1206, such as SENSORTRONICS S-TYPE LOAD CELL 60001 straingauges. Additionally, the strain gauges can be button-type strain gauges1208, such as Omega LCGB-250 250 lb Capacity Load Cells. Naturally, theload cells 110 can comprise combinations of these various examples. Theembodiments described herein are not limited to these examples.

FIG. 10-13 illustrate views of a second embodiment of the isometricexercise and rehabilitation assembly 100. FIG. 10 illustrates a sideview of the second embodiment of the isometric exercise andrehabilitation assembly 100 with the user performing a chest-press-styleexercise and a user interface 18 presenting information to the user. Asdepicted, the user is the gripping second pair of load handles 106. Aleft load cell 110 and a right load cell 110 may be located at a leftload handle 106 and a right load handle 106, respectively, in the secondpair of load handles 106. The user may push on the second pair of loadhandles 106 to add load to the left load cell 110 and the right loadcell 110. The left load cell 110 may transmit a left load measurement tothe computing device 102, and the right load cell 110 may transmit aright load measurement to the computing device 102. The computing device102 may use the load measurements to provide various real-time feedbackon the user interface 18 as the user performs the chest-press-styleexercise.

In general, the user interface 18 may present real-time visual feedbackof the current load measurements or the current forces corresponding tothe load measurements, a weight in pounds associated with the loadmeasurements, incentive messages that encourage the user to exceedtarget thresholds (e.g., to trigger osteogenesis and/or muscularhypertrophy) and/or set personal records for maximum loads, historicalperformance of the user performing the exercise, and/or scripted promptsthat display images of one or more body portions indicating propertechnique for performing the exercise. The control system may providevarious visual, audio, and/or haptic feedback to encourage the user toexceed their target thresholds.

Initially, when the user has not added load onto any portion of theexercise machine 100 including one or more load cells 110, the computingsystem 12 may be operating in an idle mode. During the idle mode, thecomputing system 12 may be receiving load measurements at a firstfrequency from each data channel associated with an exercise. Forexample, there may be four data channels, one for each of achest-press-style exercise, a leg-press-style exercise, asuitcase-lift-style exercise, and a pulldown-style exercise. Althoughfour data channels are described for explanatory purposes, it should beunderstood that there may be any suitable number of data channels, where“any” refers to one or more. Each data channel may provide loadmeasurements to the computing device 12 from a respective left load celland a respective right load cell that are located at the portion of theexercise machine 100 where the user pushes or pulls for the respectiveexercises. The user interface 18 may present the load measurement fromeach left and right load cells (e.g., 8 load measurements for the 4 datachannels associated with the 4 exercises). Further, any targetthresholds and/or safety limits for the user performing the exercisesmay be presented on the user interface 18 during the idle mode. Forexample, a left target threshold, a right target load threshold, asafety limit, and/or a total weight target threshold for each of theexercises may be presented on the user interface 18 during the idlemode.

If the computing device 12 detects a minimum threshold amount of load(e.g., at least 10 pound-force (lbf)) added onto any of the load cells,the computing device switches from an idle mode to an exercise mode. Thedata channel including the load cell that sent the detected loadmeasurement may be set to active by the computing device 12. Further,the computing device 12 may set the other data channels to inactive andmay stop receiving load measurements from the load cells correspondingto the inactive data channels. The computing device 12 may begin readingdata from the load cells at the active data channel at a secondfrequency higher (e.g., high frequency data collection) than the firstfrequency when the computing device 12 was operating in the idle mode.Further, the user interface 18 may switch to presenting informationpertaining to the exercise associated with the active data channel andstop presenting information pertaining to the exercises associated withthe inactive data channels.

For example, the user may grip the second pair of handles 106 and applyforce. The computing device 102 may detect the load from the load cells110 located at the second pair of handles 106 and may set the datachannel associated with the chest-press-style exercise to active tobegin high frequency data collection from the load cells 110 via theactive data channel.

As depicted, the user interface 18 presents a left load measurement 1000as a left force and a right load measurement 1002 as a right force inreal-time or near real-time as the user is pressing on the second pairof handles 106. The values of the forces for the left load measurement1000 and the right load measurement 1002 are presented. There areseparate visual representations for the left load measurement 1000 andthe right load measurement 1002. In some embodiments, these loadmeasurements 1000 and 1002 may be represented in a bar char, line chart,graph, or any suitable visual representation. In some embodiments, aleft target threshold and a right target threshold for the user may bepresented on the user interface 18. In some embodiments, there may bemore than one left target threshold and more than one right targetthreshold. For example, the left target thresholds may relate to anosteogenesis target threshold determined using a user's disease protocoland/or a muscular strength target threshold determined using ahistorical performance of the user for a particular exercise. The righttarget thresholds may relate to an osteogenesis target thresholddetermined using a user's disease protocol and/or a muscular strengthtarget threshold determined using a historical performance of the userfor a particular exercise. For example, if the user fractured their leftarm and is rehabilitating the left arm, but the user's right arm ishealthy, the left osteogenesis target threshold may be different fromthe right osteogenesis target threshold.

If the left load measurement 1000 exceeds any of the left targetthresholds, an indication (e.g., starburst) may be presented on the userinterface 18 indicating that the particular left target threshold hasbeen exceeded and/or osteogenesis and/or muscular hypertrophy has beentriggered in one or more portions of the body. If the right loadmeasurement 1002 exceeds any of the right target thresholds, anindication (e.g., starburst) may be presented on the user interface 18indicating that the particular right target threshold has been exceededand/or osteogenesis and/or muscular hypertrophy has been triggered inanother portion of the body. Further, if either or both of the left andright target thresholds are exceeded, the indication may indicate thatthe exercise is complete and a congratulatory message may be presentedon the user interface 18. In some embodiments, another message may bepresented on the user interface 18 that encourages the user to continueadding load to set a new personal maximum left load measurement and/orright load measurement for the exercise.

In some embodiments, there may be a single target threshold to whichboth the left load measurement and the right load measurement arecompared. If either of the left or right load measurement exceed thesingle target threshold, the above-described indication may be presentedon the user interface 18.

In some embodiments, there may be a single safety limit to which theleft and right load measurements are compared. The single safety limitmay be determined based on the user's disease protocol (e.g., what typeof disease the user has, a severity of the disease, an age of the user,the height of the user, the weight of the user, what type of injury theuser sustained, what type of surgery the user underwent, the portion ofthe body affected by the disease, the exercise plan to rehabilitate theuser's body, instructions from a caregiver, etc.). If either or both ofthe left and right load measurements exceed the single safety limit, anindication may be presented on the user interface 18. The indication maywarn the user that the safety limit has been exceeded and recommend toreduce the amount of load added to the load cells 110 associated withthe exercise being performed by the user.

In some embodiments, more than one safety limit may be used. Forexample, if the user is rehabilitating a left leg, but a right leg ishealthy, there may be a left safety limit that is determined for theleft leg based on the user's disease protocol and there may be a rightsafety limit for the left leg determined based on the user's diseaseprotocol. The left load measurement may be compared to the left safetylimit, and the right load measurement may be compared to the rightsafety limit. If either or both the left load measurement and/or theright load measurement exceed the left safety limit and/or the rightsafety limit, respectively, an indication may be presented on the userinterface 18. The indication may warn the user that the respectivesafety limit has been exceeded and recommend to reduce the amount ofload added to the load cells 110 associated with the exercise beingperformed by the user.

Further, a total weight 1004 in pounds that is determined based on theleft and right load measurements is presented on the user interface 18.The total weight 1004 may dynamically change as the user adds load ontothe load cells 110. A target weight 1006 for the exercise for thecurrent day is also presented. This target weight 1006 may be determinedbased on the user's historical performance for the exercise. If thetotal weight 1004 exceeds the target weight 1006, an indication (e.g.,starburst) may be presented on the user interface 18 indicating thatosteogenesis and/or muscular hypertrophy has been triggered. Further,the indication may indicate that the exercise is complete and acongratulatory message may be presented on the user interface 18. Insome embodiments, another message may be presented on the user interface18 that encourages the user to continue adding load to set a newpersonal maximum record for the exercise.

Additionally, the user interface 18 may present a left grip strength1008 and a right grip strength 1010. In some embodiments, the left gripstrength and the right grip strength may be determined based on the leftload measurement and the right load measurement, respectively. Numericalvalues representing the left grip strength 1008 and the right gripstrength 1010 are displayed. Any suitable visual representation may beused to present the grip strengths (e.g., bar chart, line chart, etc.).The grip strengths may only be presented when the user is performing anexercise using handles.

The user interface 18 may also present a prompt 1012 that indicates thebody position the user should be in to perform the exercise, as well asindicate which body portions will be targeted by performing theexercise. The user interface 18 may present other current and historicalinformation related to the user performing the particular exercise. Forexample, the user interface 18 may present a visual representation 1014of the user's maximum weight lifted, pressed, pulled, or otherwiseexerted force for the day or a current exercise session. The userinterface 18 may present a visual representation 1016 of the user'sprevious maximum weight lifted, pressed, pulled, or otherwise exertedforce. The user interface 18 may present a visual representation 1018 ofthe user's maximum weight lifted, pressed, pulled, or otherwise exertedforce the first time the user performed the exercise. The user interface18 may present one or more visual representations 1020 for a weekly goalincluding how many sessions should be performed in the week and progressof the sessions as they are being performed. The user interface 18 maypresent a monthly goal including how many sessions should be performedin the month and progress of the sessions as they are being performed.Additional information and/or indications (e.g., incentivizing messages,recommendations, warnings, congratulatory messages, etc.) may bepresented on the user interface 18, as discussed further below.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of the second embodiment of theisometric exercise and rehabilitation assembly 100 with a userperforming a suitcase-lift-style exercise and the user interface 18presenting information to the user. The user interface 18 may presentsimilar types of information as discussed above with regards to FIG. 10,but the information in the user interface 18 in FIG. 11 may be tailoredfor the suit-case-lift-style exercise. That is, the data channel for thesuitcase-lift-style exercise may be set to active when the computingdevice 12 detects load measurements from load cells corresponding to thesuitcase-lift-style exercise, and the computing device 12 may presentthe various visual representations described with regards to FIG. 10 onthe user interface 18 in FIG. 11 based on at least the load measurementsfor the suitcase-lift-style exercise.

FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of the second embodiment of theisometric exercise and rehabilitation assembly 100 with a userperforming an arm-curl-style exercise and a user interface presentinginformation to the user. The user interface 18 may present similar typesinformation as discussed above with regards to FIG. 10, but theinformation in the user interface 18 in FIG. 12 may be tailored for thearm-curl-style exercise. That is, the data channel for thearm-curl-style exercise may be set to active when the computing device12 detects load measurements from load cells corresponding to thearm-curl-style exercise, and the computing device 12 may present thevarious visual representations described with regards to FIG. 10 on theuser interface 18 in FIG. 12 based on at least the load measurements forthe arm-curl-style exercise.

FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of the second embodiment of theisometric exercise and rehabilitation assembly 100 with a userperforming a leg-press-style exercise and a user interface presentinginformation to the user. The user interface 18 may present similar typesinformation as discussed above with regards to FIG. 10, but theinformation in the user interface 18 in FIG. 13 may be tailored for theleg-press-style exercise. That is, the data channel for theleg-press-style exercise may be set to active when the computing device12 detects load measurements from load cells corresponding to theleg-press-style exercise, and the computing device 12 may present thevarious visual representations described with regards to FIG. 10 on theuser interface 18 in FIG. 13 based on at least the load measurements forthe leg-press-style exercise.

FIGS. 14-18 illustrate views of a third embodiment of the isometricexercise and rehabilitation assembly 100. FIG. 14 illustrates a sideview of the third embodiment of the isometric exercise andrehabilitation assembly 100 with the user performing a chest-press-styleexercise and a user interface 18 presenting information to the user. Theuser interface 18 in FIG. 14 may present similar types of information asdiscussed above with regards to FIG. 10.

FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of the third embodiment of the isometricexercise and rehabilitation assembly 100 with the user performing apull-down-style exercise and a user interface 18 presenting informationto the user. The user interface 18 may present similar types ofinformation as discussed above with regards to FIG. 10, but theinformation in the user interface 18 in FIG. 15 may be tailored for thepull-down-style exercise. That is, the data channel for thepull-down-style exercise may be set to active when the computing device12 detects load measurements from load cells corresponding to thepull-down-style exercise, and the computing device 12 may present thevarious visual representations described with regards to FIG. 10 on theuser interface 18 in FIG. 15 based on at least the load measurements forthe pull-down-style exercise.

FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of the third embodiment of the isometricexercise and rehabilitation assembly with a user performing anarm-curl-style exercise and a user interface 18 presenting informationto the user. The user interface 18 may present similar types ofinformation as discussed above with regards to FIG. 12.

FIG. 17 illustrates a side view of the third embodiment of the isometricexercise and rehabilitation assembly 100 with a user performing aleg-press-style exercise and a user interface 18 presenting informationto the user. The user interface 18 may present similar types ofinformation as discussed above with regards to FIG. 13.

FIG. 18 illustrates a side view of the third embodiment of the isometricexercise and rehabilitation assembly 100 with a user performing asuitcase-lift-style exercise and a user interface 18 presentinginformation to the user. The user interface 18 may present similar typesof information as discussed above with regards to FIG. 11.

After a person has an injury (e.g., sprain or fractured bone), a surgery(e.g., knee replacement), or a disease (e.g., muscular dystrophy), theperson's body is typically in a weakened state (e.g., physicallydisabled). Thus, clinicians, such as doctors and physical therapists,can prescribe exercise plans for rehabilitating their patients. Theexercises in these exercise plans help restore function, improvemobility, relieve pain, improve strength, improve flexibility, and,among other benefits, prevent or limit permanent physical disability inthe patients. Patients who follow their exercise plans typically showsigns of physical improvement and reduced pain at a faster the rate(i.e., a faster rate of recovery or rehabilitation).

In addition, after an injury or surgery, patients typically become lessactive than they once were, and they may experience muscle loss. Asexplained above, muscles that are not used often may reduce in musclemass and become weaker. To increase the muscle mass and/or reduce therate of muscle loss, people may conduct exercises according to anexercise plan.

Balancing and/or resistance exercise may cause muscle tissue toincrease. For example, balancing on a balance board or pushing andpulling on a stationary object (e.g., pedals of an exercise cycle) witha certain amount of force may trigger the cells in the associated muscleto change and cause the muscle mass to increase.

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a control system for anexercise machine, not only capable of enabling an individual, preferablyan individual recovering from a fracture, an injury, or a surgery, toengage easily exercises according to an exercise plan, but capable ofusing predetermined thresholds or dynamically calculating them, suchthat the person using the exercise machine can be immediately informedthrough real-time visual and/or other sensorial feedback, that goals ofthe exercise plan has been met or exceeded, thus triggering osteogenesisfor the subject bone (or bones), and/or that the muscular strengththreshold has been exceeded, thereby triggering muscular hypertrophy forthe subject muscle (or muscles). The control system may be used toimprove compliance with an exercise plan, whereby the exercise planincludes one or more exercises.

The control system may receive one or more measurements, such as loadmeasurements, associated with forces exerted by both the left and rightsides on left and right portions (e.g., pedals, base, or platform) ofthe exercise machine to enhance osteogenesis, bone growth, bone densityimprovement, stability, flexibility, range of motion, and/or musclemass. The one or more measurements (e.g., a load measurement) may be aleft measurement of a load or an increased resistance added to a leftload cell on a left portion of the exercise machine (e.g., a left pedalor a left portion of the platform) and a right measurement of a load oran increased resistance added to a right load cell on a right portion ofthe exercise machine (e.g., a right pedal or a right portion of theplatform). A user interface may be provided by the control system thatpresents visual representations of the separately measured left andright loads or resistances where the respective left and right load orresistances are added to the respective left and right load cells orsensors at the subject portions of the exercise machine. For example,the user interface may provide a video game that has an avatarrepresenting the user (e.g, the patient in rehabilitation). The avatarmay move in the video game and those moves may correlate with the movesof the patient. As the one or more measurements increase, the movementof the avatar may increase (e.g., if the video game is a car racingvideo game, as the patient increases the force exerted on the pedals,the speed of the avatar, in its car, will increase). Similarly, thecontrol system may receive one or more measurements associated withspeed, repetitions, balance, any other suitable measurement, orcombination thereof. Such measurements can be used to move the avatar.The measurements can be received from sensors coupled to the exercisemachine. For example, sensors can be coupled to the pedals of theexercise machine or to a base of the exercise machine.

In some embodiments, initially, the control system may determinemeasurements in accordance with an exercise plan associated with eachexercise of the video game. For example, there may be a first level ofthe video game that applies a first resistance to the pedals of theexercise machine (e.g., the cycle machine) and a second level of thevideo game that applies a second resistance to the pedals. Further, thecontrol system may receive measurements associated with each exercise asa patient is using the exercise machine. The control system may generatea target threshold in accordance with an exercise plan associated witheach exercise of the video game. For example, there may be a firstthreshold associated with the first level and a second thresholdassociated with the second level. The exercise may be complete when theone or more measurements are received and the one or more measurementsexceed one or more target thresholds. For example, if the patient isplaying the first level of the video game and one or more measurementsexceed a first target threshold, the first level may end and the controlsystem will select the level two for the patient to play. In someembodiments, the control system may determine an average measurement byaccumulating raw measurements over a certain period of time (e.g., 5seconds) and averaging the raw measurements to smooth the data (e.g.,eliminates jumps or spikes in data) in an average measurement.

The control system may compare the one or more measurements (e.g., rawmeasurements, or averaged measurements) to one or more targetthresholds. In some embodiments, a single measurement may be compared toa single specific target threshold (e.g., a one-to-one relationship). Insome embodiments, a single measurement may be compared to more than onespecific target threshold (e.g., a one-to-many relationship). In someembodiments, more than one measurement may be compared to a singlespecific target threshold (e.g., a many-to-one relationship). In someembodiments, more than one measurement may be compared to more than onespecific target threshold (e.g., a many-to-many relationship).

The target thresholds may be an osteogenesis target threshold, amuscular strength target threshold, a balance threshold, a speedthreshold, a range of motion threshold, a repetition threshold, anyother suitable threshold, or combination thereof. In addition to thethreshold explanations described above, the balance target threshold,the speed threshold, and/or the range of motion threshold may bedetermined based on a rehabilitation protocol pertaining to the user, anage of the user, a gender of the user, a sex of the user, a height ofthe user, a weight of the user, a bone density of the user, an injury ofthe user, a type of surgery of the user, a type of bone fracture of theuser, etc. A rehabilitation protocol may refer to any illness, disease,fracture, surgery, or ailment experienced by the user and any treatmentinstructions provided by a caretaker for recovery and/or healing. Therehabilitation protocol may also include a condition of health where thegoal is avoid a problem. Any of the target thresholds may be determinedbased on a historical performance of the user using the exercise machine(e.g., amount of pounds lifted for a particular exercise, amount offorce applied associated with each body part, the range of motion forpedaling, the level of exertion, the level of pain, etc.) and/or otherexercise machines, a fitness level (e.g., how active the user is) of theuser, a diet of the user, a protocol for determining a muscular strengthtarget, a range of motion target, etc.

The control system may determine whether the one or more measurementsexceed the one or more target thresholds. Responsive to determining thatthe one or more measurements exceed the one or more target thresholds,the control system may cause a user interface to present an indicationthat the one or more target thresholds have been met or exceeded and anexercise is complete. For example, the user has completed a level of thevideo game. Additionally, when the one or more target thresholds are metor exceeded, the control system may cause the user interface to presentan indication that instructs the user to apply additional force (lessthan a safety limit) to attempt to set a personal maximum record orachievement (e.g., of a rate of speed, of a level of stability, a numberof repetitions, of an amount of weight lifted, pressed, pulled, orotherwise exerted force) for that exercise. The control system may alsodetermine that one or more target thresholds (e.g., a level of pain oran exersion level) are met or exceeded and end the exercise game beingplayed. The control system may present the same game at an easierexercise game level or present a different game for the user to engagein different exercises to reduce the level of pain. In this way, theuser can continue exercising rather than stopping the rehabilitationsession due to pain. The video game may have one or more games, each ofwhich have one or more exercises that target one or more muscles groupsat one or more different levels of intensity.

Further, the user interface may present an indication when a measurementis approaching a target threshold for the user. In another example, whenthe measurement meets or exceeds the target threshold, the userinterface may present an indication that the target threshold has beenmet or exceeded, respectively, and that the exercise is complete. Thecontrol system may provide visual and/or audio encouragement and/orcoaching to the user during a video game. For example, as the user isnearing the target threshold, the control system may provide an audio ofa human voice encouraging the user to maintain or increase speed on thecycling machine to earn an achievement or reach the end of the exercisegame level. The control system may indicate if there are any remainingincomplete exercise game levels the video game as part of the exerciseplan, that there is another game or another level (e.g., with adifference exercise and/or goal) to be completed by the user. If thereare no remaining games or levels (i.e., exercises in the exercise plan)to complete, then the user interface may present an indication that allexercises in the exercise plan are complete and the user can rest. Inaddition, when the exercise plan is complete, the control system maygenerate a performance report that presents various information (e.g.,charts and graphs of the right and left measurements received duringeach of the exercises, left and right maximum loads for the userreceived during each of the exercises, historical right and leftmeasurements received in the past, comparison of the current right andleft measurements with the historical right and left measurement, anamount of pounds lifted or pressed that is determined based on themeasurements for each of the exercises, percent gained in measurementsover time, achievements earned, goals reached, exercise game levelscompleted, rankings as compared to a video game history of playing,etc.).

Further, the one or more measurements may each be compared to a safetylimit. For example, a left measurement and a right measurement may eachbe compared to the safety limit for the user. The safety limit may bedetermined for the user based on the user's disease protocol. There maybe different safety limits for different portions of the user's body onthe left and the right side, one extremity versus another extremity, atop portion of the user's body and a body portion of the user's body,etc., and for different exercises. For example, if someone underwentleft knee surgery, the safety limit for a user for a left measurementfor a cycling using a left leg may be different from the safety limitfor a right measurement for that exercise and user. If the safety limitis exceeded, an indication may be presented on the user interface toinstruct to reduce the amount of force or speed that the user isapplying and/or to instruct the user to stop applying force because thesafety limit has been exceeded.

Another benefit of the present disclosure is its ability to speed thehealing of fractures in athletically robust individuals. Further,another benefit is the increase in muscle mass by using the exercisemachine to trigger muscular hypertrophy. The control system may providean automated interface that improves compliance with an exercise plan byusing a real-time feedback loop to measure loads added during each ofthe exercises, (e.g. resistance applied to the pedals) compare themeasurements to target thresholds and/or safety limits that are uniquelydetermined for the user using the exercise machine, and provide variousindications based on the comparison. For example, the indicationspertain to when the user should add more load, when the targetthresholds are met or exceeded, when the safety limit is met orexceeded, when the exercise is complete, when the user should beginanother game, when the user should begin another level of the exercisegame, and so forth.

Rehabilitation Exercises and their Benefits

The following exercises achieve rehabilitation results by exposingrelevant parts of a user to exercises that build strength, increaseflexibility, increase range of motion, increase balance, increasecoordination, decrease pain, decrease the amount of time required forrecovery, or any combination thereof. In addition to the exercisesmachines or devices described above in this disclosure, exercisemachines or devices used to facilitate the rehabilitation exercisesreferred to are as follows.

Cycling Machine

A cycling machine refers to a stationary bicycle used as exerciseequipment and/or rehabilitation equipment. The cycling machine includespedals configured to rotate. The cycling machine may include attachedhandlebars or may be used in combination with detached handlebars. Thecycling machine may include an attached seat or may be used incombination with a detached seat. The cycling machine can be used to forexercise targeted to improve the following key muscle groups: gluteals,hamstrings, quadriceps, thighs, adductors, abs, and grip muscles as wellas to increase flexibility, range of motion, and strength.

Balance Equipment

Balance equipment refers to an exercise machine or device, such as abalance board or a rocker device, for a user to stand on and maintainbalance and control as the balance board moves in various directions.The balance board can be used to for exercise targeted to can improvemobility, flexibility, proprioception, and strength in the following keymuscle groups: peroneals, gluteals, hamstrings, quadriceps, thighs,adductors, abs, and grip muscles as well as to increase flexibility,range of motion, and core strength.

The following discussion is directed to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure. Although these embodiments are given as examples,the embodiments disclosed should not be interpreted, or otherwise used,as limiting the scope of the disclosure, including the claims. Inaddition, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that thefollowing description has broad application, and the discussion of anyembodiment is meant only to be exemplary of that embodiment, and notintended to intimate that the scope of the disclosure, including theclaims, is limited to that embodiment.

Exercise machines can include moving parts to provide dynamic exercisesto facilitate rehabilitation. A dynamic exercise can be, but is notlimited to an exercise where a user participates in an activity wherethe user moves and some resistance or load may be provided against themovement of the user. The FIGS. 19 and 20A-B illustrate embodiments ofan exercise machine 1900, generally shown, for use by a user forexercise. The exercise machine 1900 can be a stationary exercise machine(e.g., cycling machine) that can be used for exercise and/orrehabilitation. The exercise machine 1900 comprises a base 1902,generally indicated, that has front and rear sides 1904, 1906 and rightand left sides 1908, 1910. In the present embodiment of the base 1902,and as illustrated in the drawings, the rear side 1906 of the base 1902wider than the front side 1904. However, the base 1902 could be of anyshape. For example, the base 1902 could be rectangular, circular,rounded, trapezoidal, or square. In addition, in the present embodimentof the base 1902, the front side 1904 and the rear side 1906 can taper.For an individual who has limited mobility, the taper of the front side1904 and the rear side 1906 allows for ease of ingress and egress ontoand off of, respectively, the base 1902. However, the base 1902 couldhave raised rectangular edges, and the base 1902 may include a step foringress and egress onto and off of the base 1902. Slip pads 1912 can becoupled to the base 1902 adjacent each side to prevent slipping duringuse of the exercise machine 1900.

Embodiments of a first housing 1914, generally indicated, can be coupledto the base 1902. The first housing 1914 can be disposed adjacent to therear side 1906. A handlebar including one or more handles 1916 can becoupled to the first housing 1914. The handles 1916 can include grippads to prevent slipping during use of the exercise machine 1900.

The exercise machine 1900 comprises a multidimensional exercise controlsystem. The control system comprises a user interface 1918. The userinterface can be coupled to the first housing 1914. The user interface1918 may be or function as the user interface 18 in FIG. 1. Thecomputing device 12 may comprise the user interface 1918 and becommunicatively coupled to an exercise machine 100. The user interface1918 may also be communicatively coupled with the computing device 15and the cloud-based computing system 16. As used herein, a cloud-basedcomputing system refers, without limitation, to any remote or distalcomputing system accessed over a network link. Each of the userinterface 1918, computing device 15, and/or the exercise machine 1900may include one or more processing devices, memory devices, and networkinterface devices. In some embodiments, the user interface 1918 may beincluded as part of the structure of the exercise machine 1900. In someembodiments, the user interface 1918 may be separate from the exercisemachine 1900. For example, the user interface 1918 may be a smartphone,tablet, laptop, or the like. The computing device 12, the computingdevice 15, and/or the cloud-based computing system 16 can include memoryto store the application 17, such as one or more video games. The videogame comprises one or more exercise games. Each exercise game mayinclude one or more exercises that target one or more parts or regionsof a user's body. The parts or regions of each exercise game may be thesame, different, or overlap with other exercise games. Each exercisegame may include one or more levels. The levels may include differentlevels of intensity of exercise for one or more body parts or regions ofa user. The video game can be used for engaging users to comply with anexercise plan, such as for rehabilitation purposes.

Embodiments of a second housing 1920, generally indicated, can becoupled to the base 1902. The second housing 1920 can be disposedbetween the front and rear sides 1904, 1906. The second housing 1920 canbe disposed adjacent to and/or coupled to the first housing 1914. In thepresent embodiment of the second housing 1920, and as illustrated in thedrawings, the second housing 1920 is cylindrical shaped. However, thebase 1902 could be of any shape.

A wheel 1928 can be operatively coupled to the exercise machine 1900. Incertain embodiments, the exercise machine 1900 can have the wheel 1926coupled to the base 1902. The wheel 1926 can be a single wheel 1926, andthe wheel 1926 may be a flywheel. In certain embodiments, the exercisemachine 1900 can have a pair of wheels, and the wheels may be flywheels.The wheel 1926 can be disposed in the second housing 1920, and the wheel1926 can be independently rotatable about an axis. The wheel 1926 can bedisposed in in a cavity of the second housing 1920. The wheel 1926 canbe partially disposed in an openings of the second housing 1920. One ofskill in the art will appreciate that the wheel 1926 may be coupled tothe base 1902 by various means known in the art. As one example, asupport beam can extend from the base 1902 to a first axial, where anaxial extends along the axis. In this embodiment, the wheel 1926 can becoupled to and independently rotatable about the axial.

In some embodiments, pair of pedals (e.g., a right pedal 1922 and a leftpedal 1924) can be coupled to and extend from the wheel 1926. The pedals1922, 1924 can be configured to be engaged by the user, and the pedals1922, 1924 can facilitate rotation of the respective wheel 1926. Thepedals 1922, 1924 can be movably coupled to the wheel 1926. Morespecifically, the pedals 1922, 1924 can be adjusted radially by the userto various positions to accommodate the needs of the user. During use ofthe exercise machine 1900, the user can sit in a seat 1930 and engagethe pedals 1922, 1924. The seat 1930 may be detached from the exercisemachine 1900. In some embodiments, the seat 1930 may be attached to theexercise machine 1900. It should be readily appreciated that the usermay adjust the seat 1930 and/or the pedals 1922, 1924 to a desiredposition to accommodate the needs of the user for exercise orrehabilitation. When the user engages the pedals 1922, 1924, the usermay apply a force to respective pedals 1922, 1924 to engage and causerotation of a respective wheel 1926. By engaging respective pedals 1922,1924 and applying a force to the same, the user, to support osteogenesisand/or increase a range of motion of a user's legs, engages variousmuscles to push the respective pedals 1922, 1924. The pedals 1922, 1924may have straps or engagements for a user to engage with and pull thepedals 1922, 1924. Pulling the pedals 1922, 1924 may aid in the strengthand rehabilitation of additional muscles. A sensor 1934 can be coupledto the right pedal 1922. An additional sensory 1936 can be coupled tothe left pedal 1924. As described above, the sensors 1934, 1936 can beconfigured to collect sensor data correlating to the respective pedals1922, 1924. The sensors 1934, 1936 can be a Bluetooth sensor, a loadsensor, accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, any other suitablesensor, or combination thereof.

To further support osteogenesis during use of the exercise machine 1900by a user, the exercise machine 1900 can include a first resistancemechanism (not shown). The resistance mechanism can be coupled to thebase 1902, and the resistance mechanism can be disposed in the secondhousing 1920 adjacent to the wheel 1926. When the pedal 1922, 1924 areengaged by the user, the resistance mechanism can be configured toresist rotation of the wheel 1926. The resistance mechanisms may resistrotation of the wheel 1926 by any means known in the art.

It is to be appreciated that the exercise machine 1900 could comprise amotor coupled to each of the wheel 1926 and each motor is configured toaffect or regulate the independent rotation of a respective wheel 1926.Moreover, the motor 1928 affects or regulates the independent rotationof the wheel 1926 by engaging the wheel 1926 and selectively causing orresisting rotation of the wheel 1926. The motor 1928 can engage thewheel 1926 by any means known in the art. In one example, the motor 1928could engage gears to cause rotation of the wheel 1926. It is to beappreciated that the motor 1928 can operate congruently with orindependently of the resistance mechanisms to affect or regulate therotation of the wheel 1926. In certain embodiments, the motor 1928 cancause rotation of the wheel 1926, and the motor 1928 can resist rotationof the wheel 1926. In other embodiments with the motor 1928 and theresistance mechanism, the motor 1928 can rotate the wheel 1926 and theresistance mechanism can resist or stop rotation of the wheel 1926 whenthe motor 1928 stops rotating the wheel 1926. For regulating oraffecting the rotation of the wheel 1926, the present disclosure allowsfor many variations and combinations of the motor 1928 and theresistance mechanism.

During use of the exercise machine 1900 by a user, when the user appliesa force to the pedals 1922, 1924, the control system can maintain aconstant rotational velocity between each of the wheel 1926.Alternatively, the wheel 1926 can be mechanically interconnected. Forexample, the wheel 1926 could be mechanically interconnected by a chain,belt, gear system, or any other means to maintain a constant rotationalvelocity between the wheel 1926.

In a further embodiment of the exercise machine 1900, a control systemcan be coupled to an actuator, and the control system can be configuredto control the actuator. Moreover, the control system can be configuredto independently vary the resistance to each of the wheel 1926 tomaintain a select rotational velocity thereof, and to independently stoprotation of the wheel 1926. More specifically, the control system 94 cancontrol the actuator to activate the resistance mechanism toindependently vary the resistance of the wheel 1926. In certainembodiments, the control system can be coupled to the motor 1928, andthe control system can be configured to control the motor 1928.Additionally, the control system can be configured to independentlymaintain select rotational velocities of the wheel 1926, and toindependently stop rotation of the wheel 1926. More specifically, thecontrol system can control the motor 1928 to independently maintainselect rotational velocities of the wheel 1926 by rotating, resisting,or stopping rotation of the wheel 1926. It is to be appreciated that thecontrol system may control the actuator and/or the motor 1928simultaneously or independently to maintain the select rotationalvelocities of the wheel 1926. For communicating the rotationalvelocities or accelerations of the wheel 1926 to the control system, thecontrol system may also include sensors located on the user or coupledto the wheel 1926. With the rotational velocities or accelerationsreceived from the sensors, the control system can determine, with aprocessor of the control system, a select rotational velocity of thewheel 1926. The control system can then control the motor 1928 and/orthe actuator to maintain the select rotational velocities of the wheel1926.

In some embodiment of the exercise machine 1900, a switch, notillustrated, can be disposed on the first housing 1914 for activatingthe control system. In another embodiment, a button, not illustrated,may be disposed on the first housing 1914 for activating the controlsystem. In yet another embodiment, a display 1932 of a user interface1918, such as a computer screen, iPad, or like device, can be coupled tothe exercise machine 1900 to activate the control system. The switch,display 1932, and/or button may be coupled to the exercise machine 1900by alternative or other means. For example, the switch, display 1932,and/or button could be coupled to the handle 1916. It is further to beappreciated that alternative means could be used to activate the controlsystem and the use of the switch, display 1932, or the button, is notmeant to be limiting.

In another embodiment, one or more biometric sensors, not shown, may becoupled to the exercise machine 1900 for activating the control system.The biometric sensor could be for, inter alia, detection, recognition,validation and/or analysis of data relating to: facial characteristics;a fingerprint, hand, eye (iris), or voice signature; DNA; and/orhandwriting. In yet another embodiment, the biometric sensor cancomprise position sensors located on the user. In addition, it iscontemplated that advancements of such biometric sensors may result inalternative sensors that could be incorporated in the exercise machine1900, i.e., biometric type sensors not currently on the market may beutilized. Further, the one or more biometric sensors may comprise abiometric system, which may be standalone or integrated.

Exercise machines can include moving parts to provide balance exercisesto facilitate rehabilitation. A balance exercise can be, but is notlimited to an exercise where a user participates in an activity wherethe user shifts from side to side while standing to balance. FIG. 21illustrates an embodiment of an exercise machine 2100, generally shown,for use by a user for a balance exercise. The exercise machine 2100 canbe a stationary exercise machine (e.g., a balance board, a rocker board,or another suitable balance device) that can be used for exercise and/orrehabilitation. The exercise machine 2100 comprises a base 2102,generally indicated, that has front and rear sides 2104, 2106 and rightand left sides 2108, 2110. In the present embodiment of the base 2102,and as illustrated in the drawings, the rear side 2106 of the base 2102wider than the front side 2104. However, the base 2102 could be of anyshape. For example, the base 2102 could be rectangular, circular,rounded, trapezoidal, or square. Slip pads 2112 can be coupled to a topside 2114 of the base 2102 adjacent each side to prevent slipping duringuse of the exercise machine 2100. A bottom side 2116 of the base can becurved for movement of the base 2102 while a user is engaging theexercise machine 2100. In some embodiments, the bottom side 2116 may becoupled to a ball or curved device to facilitate movement of the base2102. In yet another embodiment, a display 1932 of a user interface1918, such as a computer screen, iPad, or like device, can beoperatively coupled to the exercise machine 2100 to activate the controlsystem. A sensor 2118 may be coupled to the base 2102. For example, thesensor 2118 The sensor 2118 may be operatively coupled to the exercisemachine 2102. The sensor 2118 may be operatively coupled to a userinterface 1918. The sensor 2118 may be configured to measure movement ofthe exercise machine 2100. The sensor 2118 can be a Bluetooth sensor, aload sensor, accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, any othersuitable sensor, or combination thereof.

In one embodiment, a multidimensional exercise control system isdisclosed. The control system (e.g., computing device 12 of FIG. 1) maybe used in connection with an exercise machine (e.g., exercise machines100, 1900, 2100). As described in FIG. 1, the control system cancomprise a memory device storing instructions. The user interface 1918can be configured to present a video game with an avatar. The video gamecan be a sports game (e.g., cycling game, racing game, surfing, etc.),action game, or any other suitable game. A processing device operativelycoupled to the memory device and the user interface 1932. The processingdevice can be configured to execute the instructions to receive sensordata from a sensor (e.g., the sensor 1934, 1936, 2118) operativelycoupled to the exercise machine. The sensor can be operatively coupledto at least one of a pedal of an exercise cycle, a balance board, and atleast one of a handle, a foot plate, and a platform of an isometricexercise and rehabilitation assembly.

The sensor data can comprise one or more measurements. The one or moremeasurements can comprise at least one of a load measurement, a speedmeasurement, a repetition measurement, and a stability measurement.Responsive to the one or more measurements, the processing device cancause the avatar to change a position in the video game. For example, ifthe processing device receives sensor data that indicates that the useris engaging the pedal 1924, the processing device can cause the avatarto move its right leg. The processing device can compare the one or moremeasurements to a target threshold. For example, the measurement may bea speed measurement and the target measurement may be for a user toreach 15 mph in the video game. The target measurement may be to reachor exceed the target value and/or to reach or exceed the target valuefor a period of time (e.g., 15 mph for at least 5 minutes). Theprocessing device can be configured to determine whether the one or moremeasurement exceed the target threshold for speed. Similarly, themeasurement may be a repetition measurement correlating to the number oftimes a particular exercise and/or movement is performed by a user. Theprocessing deice can be configured to determine whether the one or morerepetition measurements exceed the target threshold for repetition.

If the processing device determines that the one or more measurementsexceed the target threshold, the processing device can cause the userinterface 1918 to present a modification to the video game. Similarly,if the processing device determines that at least the one or moreadditional measurements exceed the additional target threshold, theprocessing device can cause the user interface to present themodification to the video game. The modification to the video game cancomprise at least one of a modified exercise game level, a modifiedexercise game, and a termination of the video game. For example, if theuser is playing level one of an exercise game, the target threshold maybe for a user to meet, maintain, and/or exceed a speed for a certainamount of time. Once the user reaches this target threshold, the usermay pass level one. The processing device can inform the user that levelone was passed and provide level two for the user to play. If the useris playing level two of the exercise game and the user's pain is beyonda target threshold, the processing unit may terminate the exercise game,change the level of the exercise game (e.g., replay level one), orchoose a different game (e.g., one with different exercises that targetdifferent muscle groups).

The processing device can cause the avatar to change a position in thevideo game that correlate to the user's movements during the exercisegame. Responsive to a first value of the one or more measurements fromthe sensor data, the processing device may change the position of theavatar at a first speed. Responsive to a second value of the one or moremeasurements from the sensor data, the processing device may change theposition of the avatar at a second speed. For example, if the secondvalue comprises a greater value than the first value, then the secondspeed of the avatar is greater than the first speed of the avatar. Inthis example, as the user moves faster and/or exerts more force, theavatar moves faster and/or exerts more force. Similarly, responsive toreceiving the one or more additional measurements, the processing devicecan cause the avatar to change a position in the video game. Theadditional measurements may correlate to movement of different bodyparts of the user. The movements of the avatar can correlate with themovements of the user.

The sensor 1934 can be coupled to a first pedal 1922 of the exercisemachine 1900. The target threshold is a first pedal threshold. Theadditional sensor 1936 can be coupled to a second pedal 1924 of theexercise machine 1900. The additional target threshold is a second pedalthreshold. The processing device is further configured to execute theinstructions to receive the additional sensor data from an additionalsensor 1936 operatively coupled to the exercise machine. The additionalsensor data can comprise one or more additional measurements. Theprocessing device can determine whether the one or more additionalmeasurement exceed an additional target threshold. For example, The usermay have had surgery on the user's right knee. The processing device mayhave a target threshold for the right knee with measurements obtainedfrom the sensor 1934. The user's left leg may not be recovering from asurgery of from an injury and may be able to exert more force than theright leg. Thus, the user's left leg may have a higher or greater targetthreshold than the right leg. In having two target thresholds andseparate measurements obtained from the sensor 1934 and the additionalsensor 1936, the user will need to meet or exceed the appropriate targetthresholds before moving to the next stage of an exercise plan.

The first and second pedals 1922, 1924 can be adjusted based on theuser's range of motion. The radius on each of the pedals 1922, 1924 canbe adjusted to allow a user to use the exercise machine 1900 throughoutthe rehabilitation process. The first and second pedals 1922, 1924 canbe adjusted separately. Separate adjustment is preferred for users whohave injured or had surgery on only one leg. The user can adjust thepedal for the disabled leg for a limited range of motion for that leg.In other words, a user may have a full range of motion for one leg and alimited range of motion for another leg. The exercise machine 1900 canbe adjusted to accommodate such users and allow the users to engage theexercise machine 1900 in accordance with the exercise plan.

The exercise plan may include a plan of one or more exercises for apatient for rehabilitating a body part. The exercise plan may includeexercises for one or more muscle groups. The exercise plan may beprescribed by a doctor, a physical therapist, or any other qualifiedclinician. The video game may have one or more levels and/or exercisegames that include exercises required by the exercise plan. The videogame may be used to encourage user compliance with the exercise plan.The computing system may track the user's use of the video game, theuser's rehabilitation progress, the user's pain levels, the user's vitalsigns, any other suitable information, or any combination thereof. Thecomputing device 15 may receive information and display the informationvia the user interface 22 to the clinician. The clinician may makemodifications to the exercise plan. The processing device can select theexercise game and/or level based on the exercise plan.

The video game comprises an exercise plan can comprise one or moreexercises for rehabilitating a body part of a user. For example, thevideo game may requirement movements of certain body part(s) of the userfor the avatar to move. The video game may further comprise at least oneof an exercise game level and an exercise game. The at least one of theexercise game level and the exercise game can comprise one or moreexercises. For example, one game may target range of motion exercises ofa user's leg. Another game may target balancing and core strength. Afirst or lower levels may include exercises with lower intensity to helpusers exercise during the earlier stages of their rehabilitation. Middlelevels of the exercise game may help users during the middle stages oftheir rehabilitation. Higher levels of the exercise game may help usersduring the end stages of their rehabilitation and/or to maintain theirfitness levels.

The video game can include options on what is provided on the userinterface. For example, the video game may be a flying game and theuser, engaging the exercise machine. The video game may display anavatar flying over the countryside, or a city, such as Milan or London.The information received from the sensor(s) enable the avatar in thevideo game.

The processing device may be configured to execute the instructions toreceive user input data. As illustrated in FIG. 23, the user interface1918 may display a screen 2300 requesting a user to provide a painlevel. The user can select the level of pain (e.g., no pain, mild,moderate, severe, very severe) before the video game begins, during thevideo game, and/or after the video game. The user interface 1918 mayprovide visual and/or audio prompts for the user. The user may providethe user interface 1918 with the user input by touching the userinterface 1918, speaking to the user interface 1918, or any othersuitable input. The user interface 1918 may request that a user enterother user input, such as an exertion level (e.g., the level of exertionthe user provided during a video game). The processing device may beconfigured to provide coachin and instructoin to a user on how to usethe video game, the exercise machines 100, 1900, 2100, an exercise, orany other suitable information. The instructions and/or coaching may bea prerecorded virtual coach (e.g., a trainer or a physical therapist)and provide commands, instructions, and/or tips via audio and/or video.For example, the virtual coach may provide tips on posture and formwhile performing an exercise or using the exercise machine. The virtualcoach may provide motivational content, such as words of encouragementto the user. The precorded virtual coach may be provided randomly duringthe video game and/or it may be based on input and/or data from the userand/or sensors. The virtual coach may be data-driven. The processingdevice can receive user input data, sensor data, tracker data,historical data, and/or any other suitable information to obtaininformation, such as the exertion level of the user or the user's bodypart (e.g., a rehabilitating leg) and provide audio and/or visualcoaching to the user.

The processing device may present a modification to the video game basedon the user input. For example, if the user is not exerting enougheffort (e.g., below a target threshold for exertion), the processingdevice may change the level of the exercise game to a more difficultlevel. A more difficult level may include a faster-paced game, moredifficult challenges, or any other suitable feature. If the pain levelof the user is too high (e.g., exceeding a target threshold for pain),the processing device may change the level of the exercise game to aless difficult level, change to the exercise game to an exercise gamewith exercises that do not target the same muscle groups for theremainder of the exercise session for that day, and/or terminate thevideo game.

The user may also terminate the video game. The user interface 1918 mayinclude a power button to turn off the video game. The user interface1918 may be configured to receive audio instructions from a user toterminate the video game and/or make any modifications to the video game(e.g., change exercise game to a game that targets or does not targetparticular muscle groups or body parts, speed of the video game,difficulty of the video game, etc.). The control system can include afeedback loop from the user to make modifications to the video gamebased on user preferences, user input (e.g., pain level), sensor data,progress of the rehabilitated body part, modifications to the exerciseplan, or any other suitable information. The control system can makeadjustments automatically.

The exercise plan may include a target threshold for an exertion level.The processing device may determine a target threshold for the exertionlevel based on the exercise plan or any other data or information (e.g.,user input, sensor data, measurements). The target threshold for theexertion level can be modified by the processing device or by the userThe processing device can be configured to determine a user's exertionlevel. The user can input an exersion level while playing the videogame. The user may input the exertion level at the end of the videogame. The user may also input an target threshold for the exertionlevel.

The processing device can be configured to execute the instructions toselect at least one of the exercise game level and the exercise game.The processing device can select the exercise game level and/or theexercise game at the beginning of the exercise session and/or during theexercise session. The processing device may base the selection on atleast one of the one or more measurements, the user input, and a vitalsign.

The processing device can be configured to execute the instructions toreceive tracker data from a fitness wearable. The fitness wearable canbe operatively coupled to the control system. The fitness wearable canbe operatively coupled to the user interface 1918. The user may bewearing the fitness wearable prior to and/or during the exercisesession. The fitness wearable, such as a fitness tracker, can be used tomeasure vital signs of the user, such as heart rate, pulse, or any othersuitable vital sign. The fitness wearable can also provide user data,such as the calories burned during an exercise, a target zone, such as atarget heart rates, training information, any other suitable userinformation, or combination thereof. The fitness wearable can providethe tracker data comprising the vital sign value to the user interface1918. The processing device can present a modification to the video gamebased on the tracker data. The modification can comprise at least one ofa modified exercise game level (e.g., easier/harder level), a modifiedexercise game (e.g., containing different exercises), and a terminationof the video game (e.g., ending the exercise session).

In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22, the video game 2200 cancomprise at least one of visual content and audio content. This videogame includes an avatar (not shown) cycling through the countryside. Theuser interface 1918 provides images of a path in the countryside andcontinues along the path as the user engages the exercise machine 1900.The user interface 1918 provides sounds of the cycling and sounds of thecountryside. The visual content and/or the audio content can comprise anexercise goal presented to a user. For example, the exercise goal mayinclude a flexibility range, a speed for a period of time, a level ofexertion, a number of repetitions of an exercise, or any other suitablegoal. As the user is approaching its goal, the video game 2200 mayprovide coaching and/or motivational encouragement to the user toachieve the goal. Once the goal is achieved, the user interface 1918 mayoutput the achievements. The video game 2200 may present all of theuser's achievements and/or progress before, during, and/or after theexercise session.

FIG. 24 illustrates example operations of a method 2400 of a controlsystem for an exercise machine. The operations can be used to improvecompliance with an exercise plan. The method 2400 may be performed byprocessing logic that may include hardware (circuitry, dedicated logic,etc.), firmware, software, or a combination of them. The method 2400and/or each of their individual functions, subroutines, or operationsmay be performed by one or more processing devices of a control system(e.g., computing device 12 of FIG. 1) implementing the method 2400. Themethod 2400 may be implemented as computer instructions that areexecutable by a processing device of the control system (e.g., acomputer-readable medium may be used to store instructions that, whenexecuted, cause a processor perform the following steps or processes ofthe method 2400). In certain implementations, the method 2400 may beperformed by a single processing thread. Alternatively, the method 2400may be performed by two or more processing threads, each threadimplementing one or more individual functions, routines, subroutines, oroperations of the methods. Various operations of the method 2400 may beperformed by one or more of the cloud-based computing system 16, and/orthe computing device 15 of FIG. 1.

The method may begin at step 2402. At step 2402, the processing devicemay receive an exercise plan. The plan may be received from, forexample, a clinician via the computing device 15. The exercise plan maybe an exercise plan tailored for rehabilitation of a user. For example,the exercise plan may have one or more exercises, timeline forengagement of the exercises, and progression of the exercises during therehabilitation process. The clinician may modify the exercise planthroughout the rehabilitation process.

At 2404, the processing device may prompt the user for input (e.g.,request the user to provide user input). For example, the user may beprompted to login on the user interface 1918. The user may input theuser's credentials (e.g., username and password) via an input device(e.g., mouse, keyboard, touchscreen) of the computing device 12. Theprocessing device may compare the credentials to stored credentials in alocal and/or remote database. The database may be locally stored on thecomputing device 12, remotely stored on the computing device 15, orremotely stored on the cloud-based computing system 16. If theprocessing device validates the credentials for a user, then theprocessing device may obtain a user identifier associated with thecredentials. The processing device may obtain user data based on theuser identifier. The user data may include personal information aboutthe user (e.g., name, height, weight, age, gender, address, contactinformation, exercise plan, etc.). The user data may include a painlevel of the user, an exertion level of the user during an exercise(e.g., how much effort the user applied during the exercise), any othersuitable user data, or combination thereof. Although not illustrated inFIG. 24, the processing device may receive user input throughout themethod 2400.

At step 2406, the processing device may receive tracker data. Asexplained above, the processing device may receive tracker data from afitness wearable. The tracker data may include vital sign informationand/or other suitable information. Although not illustrated in FIG. 24,the processing device may receive tracker data throughout the method2400.

At step 2408, the processing device may select a video game (e.g., thevideo game 2200). For example, the processing device may select theexercise game and/or the level of the video game. The processing devicemay select the video game (e.g., the exercise game and/or the exercisegame level) based on the exercise plan at step 2402. The processingdevice may select the video game based on the user input at step 2404.The processing device may select the video game based on the trackerdata at step 2406. The processing device may obtain the user'shistorical performance for the exercises available at the exercisemachine(s) 100, 1900, 2100. For example, the processing device may havestored the user's past measurements that were obtained from the sensors(e.g., the sensors 1934, 1936, 2118, or load cells) associated with eachexercise as the user performed the exercises in an exercise plan whileplaying the video game. At 2418, the processing device may calculatemuscular strength target thresholds for the user using the user'shistorical performance. There may be different muscular strength targetthresholds calculated for different exercises. Further, there may bedifferent left and right muscular strength target thresholds calculatedfor each exercise for the user. In some embodiments, the processingdevice may determine an average amount of load the user added to theload cells over time and may set a muscular strength target to an amountof load that is the same as or higher than the average amount of load bya certain percent to encourage the user to maintain or increase musclemass. In some embodiments, the processing device may determine a maximumamount of load the user added to the load cells in the past and may seta muscular strength target to an amount of load that is the same as orhigher than the maximum amount to maintain or increase muscle mass. Theprocessing device may use additional information, including randomizingthe video game selection, or any combination thereof.

The video game comprises at least one of visual content and audiocontent. The visual content and the audio content presented to the usercan include an exercise goal. The exercise goal may include incentivesfor the user to reach rehabilitation goals of the exercise plan. Theprocessing device may determine whether the one or more receivedmeasurements exceed the one or more target thresholds and/or the one ormore safety limits. If the one or more target thresholds are notexceeded, then the processing device may present, on the user interface1918, a prompt or encouraging message that instructs the user to addadditional resistance to the pedals, increase speed, increase effort, orany other suitable encouragement to exceed the one or more targetthresholds and complete the exercise game and/or exercise game level. Ifthe one or more target thresholds are exceeded, the processing devicemay cause an indication to be presented on the user interface 1918 thatindicates the exercise is complete, congratulates the user forcompleting the exercise, and/or encourages the user to add additionalresistance to the pedals, increase speed, or any other suitable metricto achieve a new maximum record.

At step 2410, the processing device may present the video game and anavatar. The video game and the avatar can be presented on the userinterface 1918. The avatar can be an embodiment of a person or an idea.The avatar can refer to a character that represents the user. The usercan select the type of avatar to be presented in the video game. Theprocessing device may proceed to step 2412 and/or to step 2414.

At step 2412, the processing device may receive sensor data. The sensordata can be received from the one or more sensors in communication withthe exercise machine and the user interface 1918. The sensor can beoperatively coupled to at least one of a pedal of an exercise cycle, abalance board, and at least one of a handle, a foot plate, and aplatform of an isometric exercise and rehabilitation assembly. Forexample, the sensor 1934 can be operatively coupled to a first pedal1922 of the exercise machine 1900 or to the base 2102 of the exercisemachine 2100. The sensor data may include one or more measurements. Theone or more measurements may include at least one of a load measurement,a speed measurement, a repetition measurement, and a stabilitymeasurement. When the video game begins, the processing device may beginreading a left sensor 1908 and a right sensor 1910. The processingdevice may present, on the user interface 1918, one or more receivedmeasurements from the left and right sensors in real-time, along withthe one or more target thresholds (e.g., one or more speed targetthresholds, and/or one or more muscular strength target thresholds)determined for the user for the exercise and/or the one or more safetylimits determined for the user for the exercise.

At step 2414, the processing device may receive sensor data. Theadditional sensor data can be received from the one or more additionalsensors in communication with the exercise machine and the userinterface 1918. The additional sensor can be operatively coupled to atleast one of a pedal of an exercise cycle, a balance board, and at leastone of a handle, a foot plate, and a platform of an isometric exerciseand rehabilitation assembly. For example, the additional sensor 1936 canbe operatively coupled to a second pedal 1924 of the exercise machine1900. The additional sensor data 1936 can comprise one or moreadditional measurements. The one or more additional measurements mayinclude at least one of a load measurement, a speed measurement, arepetition measurement, and a stability measurement.

At step 2416, the processing device is configured to change theposition. Responsive to the one or more measurements and/or the one ormore additional measurements, the processing device can cause the avatarto change positions in a video game. For example, responsive toreceiving a first value of the one or more measurements from the sensordata, the processing device can change the position of the avatar at afirst speed. Responsive to a second value of the one or moremeasurements from the sensor data, the processing device can change theposition of the avatar at a second speed. The second value comprises agreater value than the first value and the second speed of the avatar isgreater than the first speed of the avatar.

At step 2418, the processing device determines if the one or moremeasurements exceeds the threshold. For example, the target threshold isa first pedal threshold. Responsive to determining that the one or moremeasurements does not exceed the target threshold, the processing deviceproceeds to step 2410 and continues presenting the video game and theavatar. Responsive to determining that the one or more measurementsexceed the target threshold, the processing device proceeds to step2422. The processing device may calculate one or more target thresholdsusing the user's exercise plan. There may be different target thresholdscalculated for different exercises. Further, there may be different leftand right target thresholds calculated for each exercise for the user.The target thresholds may be an amount of load or force, a speed, arange of motion, a stability, an exertion level, or any other suitablemeasurement, determined for the user, that, when exceeded, triggerrehabilitation in the portion of the body of the user targeted by therespective exercise. The target threshold calculation may consider oneor more factors, such as a portion of the body exercised by theexercise, an age of the user, a height of the user, a weight of theuser, a gender of the user, a type of injury or surgery that occurred tothe user at or near the portion of the body being exercised, a severityof the injury, a type of disease affecting the portion of the body, aseverity of the type of disease affecting the portion of the body, amedical procedure performed on the user at or near the portion of thebody, and so forth.

At step 2420, the processing device determines if the one or moreadditional measurements exceeds the threshold. For example, theadditional target threshold is a pedal threshold. Responsive todetermining that the one or more additional measurements does not exceedthe additional target threshold, the processing device proceeds to step2410 and continues presenting the video game and the avatar. Responsiveto determining that the one or more additional measurements exceed theadditional target threshold, the processing device proceeds to step2422.

At step 2422, the processing device determine to modify the video game.The processing device may determine to change a level (e.g., to amodified exercise game level), change an exercise game (e.g., to amodified exercise game), terminate the video game, or make any othersuitable modification. For example, the user may have had a recent kneereplacement surgery. The video game selected and level in step 2408comprises exercises to increase the range of motion of the user's knee.Initially at step 2404, the user's pain level was moderate. During theexercise, the pain level increased. The pain level exceeded the targetthreshold for a pain level. The processing device determined that thevideo game should be modified.

At step 2424, the processing device determines if the video game shouldbe terminated. Termination of the video game may include ending theexercise game level or ending the exercise game. If the processingdevice determines that the video game should be terminated, then itterminates the video game. It may provide the user with audio and/orvisual information that the exercise session has been completed. Theuser may be informed that the user passed the exercise game level. Theuser may be provided with a summary of its exercise session, such as theuser's statistics, historical information, exercise goals reached, anysuitable information, or combination thereof. For example, if the userexceeded the target threshold for endurance (e.g., cycling at a targetspeed range for a target amount of time), then the user may havecompleted the exercises goal for this exercise session. The processingdevice may terminate the video game by ending the exercise game andproviding the user with information correlating to the exercise session.For example, the processing device may generate a performance reportthat may include data pertinent to the exercise plan just completedand/or to exercise plans that were completed in the past. Theperformance report may include any suitable graphs, charts, and/orsummaries. The performance report may include a percent increase inspeed or range of motion over time for each exercise based on thecurrent data and the historical data for each exercise. The performancereport may include the maximum resistance added by the user for the leftand right measurements for each exercise, and/or the maximum resistancedetermined based on the measurements for each exercise. The performancereport may include the target thresholds and/or safety limits that wereexceeded.

If all exercises in the exercise plan are complete, the indication maycongratulate the user for completing the exercise plan. The indicationmay include achievements, unlocked levels, badges, rewards, postsrelated to the user's achievement on social media, and/or any othersuitable indication. Access of the levels may be based on previouschallenges being accomplished (e.g., completed). The processing devicemay present the performance report to the user. The processing devicemay save the data received while the user was performing the exercisesand/or generated for the performance report to a database. During afuture exercise session, the processing device may select the sameexercise game but a more difficult exercise game level or a differentexercise game. If the processing device determines not to terminate thevideo game, then the process continues at step 2408.

The processing device may determine that the exercise session is notcomplete (e.g., based on the exercise plan) and that the user can safelycontinue the exercise session if the video game was modified. Forexample, the user may have exceeded a target threshold for one exercisegame targeting the hamstrings and quadriceps but, per the user'sexercise plan, will need to exercise the peroneal muscles. Theprocessing device may select an exercise game that targets the peronealmuscles. If the user exceeds the target threshold for the rehabilitatingthe peroneal muscle, then the user may have completed the prescribedexercises for the exercise session and the video game will end. Theprocessing device may determine if all exercises are complete. If thereare any incomplete exercises in the exercise plan for the user, the userinterface 1918 may present a prompt to the user to begin an incompleteexercise in the exercise plan. The processing device may transition backto step 2408 (or step 2404) if the user begins an incomplete exercise.For example, the user interface 1918 may present an indication notifyingthe user that that one or more exercise games and/or exercise gamelevels has already been completed and to begin an incomplete exercise.The indication may present a list of the complete exercise games and/orlevels and the incomplete exercise games and/or levels to enable theuser to track the rehabilitation progress in the exercise plan.

When the processing device proceeds back to step 2408, the processingdevice selects the video game (e.g., a modified video game). Theprocessing device can base its selection of at least one of the modifiedexercise game level and the modified exercise game on at least one ofthe one or more measurements, the one or more additional measurements,the user input, a vital sign, and any other suitable information.Presenting a modification to the video game is further based on updateduser input, updated tracker data, other suitable information, or anycombination thereof. In other words, the processing device may makemodifications to the video based on user input and/or tracker datareceived during the exercise session. For example, the heart rate of theuser may increase while playing the video game. If the user's heart rateis too low, the exercise game level may be too easy (e.g., level 3) forthe user and the processing device may determine that the exercise gamelevel should be increased to provide a greater challenge to the user.The processing device will then proceed to step 2410 and cause the userinterface to present the modification to the video game on the userinterface 1918 (e.g., present level 4). The method 2400 can continueuntil the processing device determines that the video game should beterminated at step 2424. The methods described in FIG. 24 can includeadditional and/or fewer components and/or steps in an alternative orderand are not limited to those illustrated in this disclosure.

For example although not illustrated in FIG. 24, the processing devicemay calculate one or more safety limits by using the user's exerciseplan. There may be different safety limits calculated (e.g., determined)for different exercises. Further, there may be different left and rightsafety limits calculated for each exercise. The safety limits may be anupper limit of an amount of load or force that is determined to beacceptable for the user based on the disease protocol. The safety limitcalculation may consider one or more factors, such as a portion of thebody exercised by the exercise, an age of the user, a height of theuser, a weight of the user, a gender of the user, a type of injury thatoccurred to the user at or near the portion of the body being exercised,a severity of the type of injury, a type of disease affecting theportion of the body, a severity of the type of disease affecting theportion of the body, a surgery performed on the user at or near theportion of the body, and so forth.

FIG. 25 illustrates an example user interface 1918 presenting anindication 2500 that an exercise is complete, resulting in the user'sbeing congratulated. For example, the indication 2500 states: “Good job!You exceeded your target load threshold(s). This exercise is complete.”The user interface 1918 may present visual representations 2502 and/or2504 for the left and right load measurements, respectively. In someembodiments, the visual representations 2502 and/or 2504 may benumerical values representing other the respective measurements. In someembodiments, the visual representation 2502 and/or 2504 may be bars on abar chart, lines on a line chart, or any suitable visual representation.

Further, the user interface 1918 may present one or more visualrepresentations 2506 of target load thresholds tailored for the user.For example, the one or more target thresholds may include a left targetthreshold, a right target threshold, or some combination thereof.Presenting the visual representations 2506 of the target thresholdsconcurrently with the real-time display of the measurements in thevisual representations 2502 and/or 2504 may enable the user to determinehow close they are to exceeding the target thresholds and/or when theyexceed the target thresholds.

FIG. 26 illustrates an example computer system 2600, which can performany one or more of the methods described herein. In one example,computer system 2600 may correspond to the computing device 12 (e.g.,control system), the computing device 14, one or more servers 28 of thecloud-based computing system 16 of FIG. 1. The computer system 2600 maybe capable of the application 17 and presenting the user interface 18 ofFIG. 1, the user interface 1918 of FIG. 19, and/or the application 21and presenting the user interface 22 of FIG. 1. The computer system 2600may be connected (e.g., networked) to other computer systems in a LAN,an intranet, an extranet, or the Internet. The computer system 2600 mayoperate in the capacity of a server in a client-server networkenvironment. The computer system 2600 may be a personal computer (PC), atablet computer, a motor controller, a goniometer, a wearable (e.g.,wristband), a set-top box (STB), a personal Digital Assistant (PDA), amobile phone, a camera, a video camera, or any device capable ofexecuting a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specifyactions to be taken by that device. Further, while only a singlecomputer system is illustrated, the term “computer” shall also be takento include any collection of computers that individually or jointlyexecute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one ormore of the methods discussed herein.

The computer system 2600 includes a processing device 2602, a mainmemory 2604 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, dynamic randomaccess memory (DRAM) such as synchronous DRAM (SDRAM)), a static memory2606 (e.g., flash memory, static random access memory (SRAM)), and adata storage device 2608, which communicate with each other via a bus2610.

Processing device 2602 represents one or more general-purpose processingdevices such as a microprocessor, central processing unit, or the like.More particularly, the processing device 2602 may be a complexinstruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, reduced instruction setcomputing (RISC) microprocessor, very long instruction word (VLIW)microprocessor, or a processor implementing other instruction sets orprocessors implementing a combination of instruction sets. Theprocessing device 2602 may also be one or more special-purposeprocessing devices such as an application specific integrated circuit(ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signalprocessor (DSP), network processor, or the like. The processing device2602 is configured to execute instructions for performing any of theoperations and steps discussed herein.

The computer system 2600 may further include a network interface device2612. The computer system 2600 also may include a video display 2614(e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT)), oneor more input devices 2616 (e.g., a keyboard and/or a mouse), and one ormore speakers 2618 (e.g., a speaker). In one illustrative example, thevideo display 2614 and the input device(s) 2616 may be combined into asingle component or device (e.g., an LCD touch screen).

The data storage device 2616 may include a computer-readable medium 2620on which the instructions 2622 (e.g., implementing the application 17 or21 executed by any device and/or component depicted in the FIGURES anddescribed herein) embodying any one or more of the methodologies orfunctions described herein are stored. The instructions 2622 may alsoreside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory 2604and/or within the processing device 2602 during execution thereof by thecomputer system 2600. As such, the main memory 2604 and the processingdevice 2602 also constitute computer-readable media. The instructions2622 may further be transmitted or received over a network via thenetwork interface device 2612.

While the computer-readable storage medium 2620 is shown in theillustrative examples to be a single medium, the term “computer-readablestorage medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiplemedia (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associatedcaches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. Theterm “computer-readable storage medium” shall also be taken to includeany medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set ofinstructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine toperform any one or more of the methodologies of the present disclosure.The term “computer-readable storage medium” shall accordingly be takento include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, optical media,and magnetic media.

The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of thedescribed embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Theembodiments disclosed herein are modular in nature and can be used inconjunction with or coupled to other embodiments, including bothstatically-based and dynamically-based equipment. In addition, theembodiments disclosed herein can employ selected equipment such thatthey can identify individual users and auto-calibrate thresholdmultiple-of-body-weight targets, as well as other individualizedparameters, for individual users.

Consistent with the above disclosure, the examples of systems and methodenumerated in the following clauses are specifically contemplated andare intended as a non-limiting set of examples.

Clause 1. A control system of an exercise machine, comprising:

a memory device storing instructions;

a user interface for presenting a video game with an avatar;

a processing device operatively coupled to the memory device and theuser interface, wherein the processing device is configured to executethe instructions to:

-   -   receive sensor data from a sensor operatively coupled to the        exercise machine, wherein the sensor data comprises one or more        measurements;    -   responsive to the one or more measurements, cause the avatar to        change a position in the video game;    -   compare the one or more measurements to a target threshold;    -   determine whether the one or more measurement exceed the target        threshold; and    -   responsive to determining that the one or more measurements        exceed the target threshold, cause the user interface to present        a modification to the video game.

Clause 2. The control system of any preceding clause, wherein the sensoris operatively coupled to at least one of a pedal of an exercise cycle,a balance board, and at least one of a handle, a foot plate, and aplatform of an isometric exercise and rehabilitation assembly.

Clause 3. The control system of any preceding clause, wherein the one ormore measurements comprise at least one of a load measurement, a speedmeasurement, a repetition measurement, and a stability measurement.

Clause 4. The control system of any preceding clause, wherein causingthe avatar to change the position in the video game further comprises:

responsive to a first value of the one or more measurements from thesensor data, changing the position of the avatar at a first speed; and

responsive to a second value of the one or more measurements from thesensor data, changing the position of the avatar at a second speed,

wherein the second value comprises a greater value than the first value,and the second speed of the avatar is greater than the first speed ofthe avatar.

Clause 5. The control system of any preceding clause, wherein theprocessing device is further configured to execute the instructions to:

-   -   receive additional sensor data from an additional sensor        operatively coupled to the exercise machine, wherein the        additional sensor data comprises one or more additional        measurements;    -   responsive to receiving the one or more additional measurements,        cause the avatar to change the position in the video game;    -   determine whether the one or more additional measurement exceed        an additional target threshold; and    -   responsive to determining that the one or more additional        measurements exceed the additional target threshold, cause the        user interface to present the modification to the video game.

Clause 6. The control system of any preceding clause, wherein the sensoris coupled to a first pedal of the exercise machine;

wherein the target threshold is a first pedal threshold;

wherein the additional sensor is coupled to a second pedal of theexercise machine; and

wherein the additional target threshold is a second pedal threshold.

Clause 7. The control system of any preceding clause, wherein the videogame comprises an exercise plan comprising one or more exercises forrehabilitating a body part of a user;

wherein the video game further comprises at least one of an exercisegame level and an exercise game; and

wherein at least one of the exercise game level and the exercise gamecomprises the one or more exercises.

Clause 8. The control system of any preceding clause, wherein theprocessing device is further configured to execute the instructions toreceive user input data comprising at least one of a pain level, anexertion level, and a vital sign, wherein presenting the modification tothe video game is further based on the user input data.

Clause 9. The control system of any preceding clause, wherein theprocessing device is further configured to execute the instructions to:

based on at least one of the one or more measurements, the user input,and a vital sign, select at least one of an exercise game level and anexercise game.

Clause 10. The control system of any preceding clause, wherein theprocessing device is further configured to execute the instructions toreceive tracker data from a fitness wearable, wherein the tracker datacomprises a vital sign value.

Clause 11. The control system of any preceding clause, whereinpresenting the modification to the video game is further based on thetracker data; and

wherein the modification comprises at least one of a modified exercisegame level, a modified exercise game, and a termination of the videogame.

Clause 12. The control system of any preceding clause, whereinpresenting the video game comprises at least one of visual content andaudio content; and

wherein at least one of the visual content and the audio contentcomprises an exercise goal presented to a user.

Clause 13. A method for a control system of an exercise machine,comprising:

receiving sensor data from a sensor operatively coupled to the exercisemachine, wherein the sensor data comprises one or more measurements;

responsive to the one or more measurements, causing an avatar to changea position in a video game;

comparing the one or more measurements to a target threshold;

determining whether the one or more measurement exceed the targetthreshold; and

responsive to determining that the one or more measurements exceed thetarget threshold, causing a user interface to present a modification tothe video game.

Clause 14. The method of any preceding clause, wherein the sensor isoperatively coupled to at least one of a pedal of an exercise cycle, abalance board, and at least one of a handle, a foot plate, and aplatform of an isometric exercise and rehabilitation assembly.

Clause 15. The method of any preceding clause, wherein the one or moremeasurements comprise at least one of a load measurement, a speedmeasurement, a repetition measurement, and a stability measurement.

Clause 16. The method of any preceding clause, wherein causing theavatar to change the position in the video game further comprises:

responsive to a first value of the one or more measurements from thesensor data, changing the position of the avatar at a first speed; and

responsive to a second value of the one or more measurements from thesensor data, changing the position of the avatar at a second speed,

wherein the second value comprises a greater value than the first value,and the second speed of the avatar is greater than the first speed ofthe avatar.

Clause 17. The method of any preceding clause, further comprising:

receiving additional sensor data from an additional sensor operativelycoupled to the exercise machine, wherein the additional sensor datacomprises one or more additional measurements;

responsive to receiving the one or more additional measurements, causingthe avatar to change the position in the video game;

determining whether the one or more additional measurement exceed anadditional target threshold; and

responsive to determining that the one or more additional measurementsexceed the additional target threshold, causing the user interface topresent the modification to the video game.

Clause 18. The method of any preceding clause, wherein the sensor iscoupled to a first pedal of the exercise machine;

wherein the target threshold is a first pedal threshold;

wherein the additional sensor is coupled to a second pedal of theexercise machine; and

wherein the additional target threshold is a second pedal threshold.

Clause 19. The method of any preceding clause, wherein the video gamecomprises an exercise plan comprising one or more exercises forrehabilitating a body part of a user;

wherein the video game further comprises at least one of an exercisegame level and an exercise game; and

wherein at least one of the exercise game level and the exercise gamecomprises the one or more exercises.

Clause 20. The method of any preceding clause, further comprisingreceiving user input data comprising at least one of a pain level and anexertion level, wherein presenting the modification to the video game isfurther based on the user input.

Clause 21. The method of any preceding clause, further comprising:

based on at least one of the one or more measurements, the user input,and a vital sign, selecting at least one of an exercise game level andan exercise game.

Clause 22. The method of any preceding clause, father comprisingreceiving tracker data from a fitness wearable, wherein the tracker datacomprises a vital sign value.

Clause 23. The method of any preceding clause, wherein presenting themodification to the video game is further based on the tracker data; and

wherein the modification comprises at least one of a modified exercisegame level, a modified exercise game, and a termination of the videogame.

Clause 24. The method of any preceding clause, wherein presenting thevideo game comprises at least one of visual content and audio content;and

wherein at least one of the visual content and the audio contentcomprises an exercise goal presented to a user.

Clause 25. A tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium storinginstructions that, when executed, cause a processing device to:

receive sensor data from a sensor operatively coupled to an exercisemachine, wherein the sensor data comprises one or more measurements;

responsive to the one or more measurements, cause an avatar to change aposition in a video game;

compare the one or more measurements to a target threshold;

determine whether the one or more measurement exceed the targetthreshold; and

responsive to determining that the one or more measurements exceed thetarget threshold, cause the user interface to present a modification tothe video game.

Clause 26. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium of anypreceding clause, wherein the sensor is operatively coupled to at leastone of a pedal of an exercise cycle, a balance board, and at least oneof a handle, a foot plate, and a platform of an isometric exercise andrehabilitation assembly.

Clause 27. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium of anypreceding clause, wherein the one or more measurements comprise at leastone of a load measurement, a speed measurement, a repetitionmeasurement, and a stability measurement.

Clause 28. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium of anypreceding clause, wherein causing the avatar to change the position inthe video game further comprises:

responsive to a first value of the one or more measurements from thesensor data, changing the position of the avatar at a first speed; and

responsive to a second value of the one or more measurements from thesensor data, changing the position of the avatar at a second speed,

wherein the second value comprises a greater value than the first value,and the second speed of the avatar is greater than the first speed ofthe avatar.

Clause 29. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium of anypreceding clause, wherein the processing device is further configured toexecute the instructions to:

-   -   receive additional sensor data from an additional sensor        operatively coupled to the exercise machine, wherein the        additional sensor data comprises one or more additional        measurements;    -   responsive to receiving the one or more additional measurements,        cause the avatar to change the position in the video game;    -   determine whether the one or more additional measurement exceed        an additional target threshold; and    -   responsive to determining that the one or more additional        measurements exceed the additional target threshold, cause the        user interface to present the modification to the video game.

Clause 30. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium of anypreceding clause, wherein the sensor is coupled to a first pedal of theexercise machine;

wherein the target threshold is a first pedal threshold;

wherein the additional sensor is coupled to a second pedal of theexercise machine; and

wherein the additional target threshold is a second pedal threshold.

Clause 31. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium of anypreceding clause, wherein the video game comprises an exercise plancomprising one or more exercises for rehabilitating a body part of auser;

wherein the video game further comprises at least one of an exercisegame level and an exercise game; and

wherein at least one of the exercise game level and the exercise gamecomprises the one or more exercises.

Clause 32. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium of anypreceding clause, wherein the processing device is further configured toexecute the instructions to:

receive user input data comprising at least one of a pain level and anexertion level, wherein presenting the modification to the video game isfurther based on the user input.

Clause 33. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium of anypreceding clause, wherein the processing device is further configured toexecute the instructions to:

based on at least one of the one or more measurements, the user input,and a vital sign, select at least one of an exercise game level and anexercise game.

Clause 34. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium of anypreceding clause, wherein the processing device is further configured toexecute the instructions to:

receive tracker data from a fitness wearable, wherein the tracker datacomprises a vital sign value.

Clause 35. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium of anypreceding clause, wherein presenting the modification to the video gameis further based on the tracker data; and

wherein the modification comprises at least one of a modified exercisegame level, a modified exercise game, and a termination of the videogame.

Clause 36. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium of anypreceding clause, wherein presenting the video game comprises at leastone of visual content and audio content; and

wherein at least one of the visual content and the audio contentcomprises an exercise goal presented to a user.

No part of the description in this application should be read asimplying that any particular element, step, or function is an essentialelement that must be included in the claim scope. The scope of patentedsubject matter is defined only by the claims. Moreover, none of theclaims is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the exact words“means for” are followed by a participle.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specificnomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the describedembodiments. However, it should be apparent to one skilled in the artthat the specific details are not required in order to practice thedescribed embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specificembodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and description.They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the describedembodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It should be apparent to oneof ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations arepossible in view of the above teachings.

The above discussion is meant to be illustrative of the principles andvarious embodiments of the present disclosure. Numerous variations andmodifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once theabove disclosure is fully appreciated. It is intended that the followingclaims be interpreted to embrace all such variations and modifications.

What is claimed is:
 1. A control system of an exercise machine,comprising: a memory device storing instructions; a user interface forpresenting a video game with an avatar; a processing device operativelycoupled to the memory device and the user interface, wherein theprocessing device is configured to execute the instructions to: receivesensor data from a sensor operatively coupled to the exercise machine,wherein the sensor data comprises one or more measurements; responsiveto the one or more measurements, cause the avatar to change a positionin the video game; compare the one or more measurements to a targetthreshold; determine whether the one or more measurement exceed thetarget threshold; and responsive to determining that the one or moremeasurements exceed the target threshold, cause the user interface topresent a modification to the video game.
 2. The control system of claim1, wherein the sensor is operatively coupled to at least one of a pedalof an exercise cycle, a balance board, and at least one of a handle, afoot plate, and a platform of an isometric exercise and rehabilitationassembly.
 3. The control system of claim 1, wherein the one or moremeasurements comprise at least one of a load measurement, a speedmeasurement, a repetition measurement, and a stability measurement. 4.The control system of claim 1, wherein causing the avatar to change theposition in the video game further comprises: responsive to a firstvalue of the one or more measurements from the sensor data, changing theposition of the avatar at a first speed; and responsive to a secondvalue of the one or more measurements from the sensor data, changing theposition of the avatar at a second speed, wherein the second valuecomprises a greater value than the first value, and the second speed ofthe avatar is greater than the first speed of the avatar.
 5. The controlsystem of claim 1, wherein the processing device is further configuredto execute the instructions to: receive additional sensor data from anadditional sensor operatively coupled to the exercise machine, whereinthe additional sensor data comprises one or more additionalmeasurements; responsive to receiving the one or more additionalmeasurements, cause the avatar to change the position in the video game;determine whether the one or more additional measurement exceed anadditional target threshold; and responsive to determining that the oneor more additional measurements exceed the additional target threshold,cause the user interface to present the modification to the video game.6. The control system of claim 5, wherein the sensor is coupled to afirst pedal of the exercise machine; wherein the target threshold is afirst pedal threshold; wherein the additional sensor is coupled to asecond pedal of the exercise machine; and wherein the additional targetthreshold is a second pedal threshold.
 7. The control system of claim 1,wherein the video game comprises an exercise plan comprising one or moreexercises for rehabilitating a body part of a user; wherein the videogame further comprises at least one of an exercise game level and anexercise game; and wherein at least one of the exercise game level andthe exercise game comprises the one or more exercises.
 8. The controlsystem of claim 1, wherein the processing device is further configuredto execute the instructions to receive user input data comprising atleast one of a pain level, an exertion level, and a vital sign, whereinpresenting the modification to the video game is further based on theuser input data.
 9. The control system of claim 8, wherein theprocessing device is further configured to execute the instructions to:based on at least one of the one or more measurements, the user input,and the vital sign, select at least one of an exercise game level and anexercise game.
 10. The control system of claim 1, wherein the processingdevice is further configured to execute the instructions to receivetracker data from a fitness wearable, wherein the tracker data comprisesa vital sign value.
 11. The control system of claim 10, whereinpresenting the modification to the video game is further based on thetracker data; and wherein the modification comprises at least one of amodified exercise game level, a modified exercise game, and atermination of the video game.
 12. The control system of claim 1,wherein presenting the video game comprises at least one of visualcontent and audio content; and wherein at least one of the visualcontent and the audio content comprises an exercise goal presented to auser.
 13. A method for a control system of an exercise machine,comprising: receiving sensor data from a sensor operatively coupled tothe exercise machine, wherein the sensor data comprises one or moremeasurements; responsive to the one or more measurements, causing anavatar to change a position in a video game; comparing the one or moremeasurements to a target threshold; determining whether the one or moremeasurement exceed the target threshold; and responsive to determiningthat the one or more measurements exceed the target threshold, causing auser interface to present a modification to the video game.
 14. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the sensor is operatively coupled to atleast one of a pedal of an exercise cycle, a balance board, and at leastone of a handle, a foot plate, and a platform of an isometric exerciseand rehabilitation assembly.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the oneor more measurements comprise at least one of a load measurement, aspeed measurement, a repetition measurement, and a stabilitymeasurement.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein causing the avatar tochange the position in the video game further comprises: responsive to afirst value of the one or more measurements from the sensor data,changing the position of the avatar at a first speed; and responsive toa second value of the one or more measurements from the sensor data,changing the position of the avatar at a second speed, wherein thesecond value comprises a greater value than the first value, and thesecond speed of the avatar is greater than the first speed of theavatar.
 17. The method of claim 13, further comprising: receivingadditional sensor data from an additional sensor operatively coupled tothe exercise machine, wherein the additional sensor data comprises oneor more additional measurements; responsive to receiving the one or moreadditional measurements, causing the avatar to change the position inthe video game; determining whether the one or more additionalmeasurement exceed an additional target threshold; and responsive todetermining that the one or more additional measurements exceed theadditional target threshold, causing the user interface to present themodification to the video game.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein thesensor is coupled to a first pedal of the exercise machine; wherein thetarget threshold is a first pedal threshold; wherein the additionalsensor is coupled to a second pedal of the exercise machine; and whereinthe additional target threshold is a second pedal threshold.
 19. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the video game comprises an exercise plancomprising one or more exercises for rehabilitating a body part of auser; wherein the video game further comprises at least one of anexercise game level and an exercise game; and wherein at least one ofthe exercise game level and the exercise game comprises the one or moreexercises.
 20. A tangible, non-transitory computer-readable mediumstoring instructions that, when executed, cause a processing device to:receive sensor data from a sensor operatively coupled to an exercisemachine, wherein the sensor data comprises one or more measurements;responsive to the one or more measurements, cause an avatar to change aposition in a video game; compare the one or more measurements to atarget threshold; determine whether the one or more measurement exceedthe target threshold; and responsive to determining that the one or moremeasurements exceed the target threshold, cause the user interface topresent a modification to the video game.